Mshoza is preparing herself for "extreme" cosmetic surgery that will set her on the path to emulating Michael Jackson.

The 32-year-old has been ordered by her doctors to stay indoors and avoid the sun as she undergoes treatment and preparatory procedures for an "extreme" cosmetic surgery - and the heat wave sweeping through the country is not helping.

"This is something that is not done by one doctor," she said of the procedure.

"There are a number of doctors working on me. I will be the first person in South Africa to have it done.

"It's basically what Michael Jackson did. Then it will formally be introduced to everyone when it's complete.

"Right now, I'm on pills and injections. I spend the day in the house drinking lots of water. It's a serious thing, if I expose myself to the sun, it might condemn me. I don't want to risk that," she explained.

Jackson is known to have undergone some nose jobs, a dimpled chin, skin bleaching, an eyebrow lift, thinner lips and hollow eyes and cheekbone surgery.

Statistics reveal that South Africans are among the biggest skin bleachers on the continent, beaten only by Nigerian women.

Mshoza conceded that this procedure was heavy on the pocket and carefully swerved around how much it is costing her.

Mshoza shocked the nation four years ago when she bleached her skin for a lighter look and surgically altered her appearance.

This week the controversial singer told Sowetan that her skin was too sensitive for the blistering sun, which peaked at around 40 degrees yesterday.

She is booked to perform at the ANC January 8 Statement celebrations scheduled for tomorrow in Rustenburg but should the heat persist, she would have to miss the event.

"Obviously I can't walk in the sun, it can cause a lot of damage, and the heatwave makes it more sensitive."

She joked that she would not melt if she was exposed to full heat. She also reassured her fans that the procedure is not life threatening.

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mashotol@sowetan.co.za