Nxumalo's CV includes sport presenting on a Gauteng breakfast radio show, performing as Mufasa in the long-running Los Angeles stage production of The Lion King and performances with international stars like Hugh Masekela and Jonathan Butler. He also had a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
However, the past few years have been incredibly difficult for Nxumalo as he started to lose his eyesight, says the station. His condition has deteriorated so much that he found himself unable to read scripts, drive or work as a radio, voice and performing artist anymore — leaving him destitute.
Nxumalo found a safe space when he joined a men's group at his church to find support and guidance. This is where he met Dave Stewart, who runs the group. With the help of members of the church, Nxumalo has been given shelter and help with daily living, according to the station.
They've also assisted in having his eyes examined, and the specialist says there is a very good chance that Nxumalo can regain a good percentage of his sight, with cataract and growth removal from his eyes. This, however, would cost around R145 000, the station says.
This inspired Stewart to reach out to Jacaranda FM's Good Morning Angels for help.
"I would desperately like to give something back to this gentle and humble soul who loves people and really deserves for someone to do something for him for once," Stewart wrote in his motivation.
The station says that in a bid to help, Jacaranda FM’s Good Morning Angels fund will assist with R100 000 towards the eye operations, which will enable Nxumalo to regain his eyesight and ability to work and provide for his family.
"Nxumalo was a very special guest on the show. It was a bit of a reunion of sorts because he worked with Philicity, Xola, as well as our producer Megan at another radio station," says radio presenter Martin Bester.
"I just loved watching them all get together and reminisce. For me, when it comes to giving and caring and sharing, it should never be about competition at all. If you can do something to help someone, then do it," Bester adds.
"The important thing was that he needed help and we could offer it. What a pleasure it was to be able to help someone like him with all his talents and that amazing voice. I really hope that it's a great success and that he gets back to doing what he loves — using his voice for voiceovers and radio work within our entertainment industry. That is where he deserves to be, and I am sure with the help he will get now, he will be back at work real soon," Bester says.
Bester adds that Jacaranda FM's community continues to inspire him.
"This just goes to show once again the amazing community we have with Good Morning Angels and the listeners that reached out to him and assisted him out of their own pockets. The kindness is just absolutely staggering," Bester concludes.