Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, the esteemed founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and a well-known Ukhozi FM radio personality, has passed away. Her death was confirmed by her husband, Bishop Nkambule, in a statement released earlier today.
“It is with a heavy heart that the Nkambule and Mbokazi families announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms. Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and a cherished Ukhozi FM radio personality,” read the statement from Bishop Nkambule.
😭😭😭💔💔💔💔🕯️I have learnt with shock and sadness of the passing of Ukhozi FM presenter, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Zanele Mbokazi was a pioneer and touched the lives of many. She was a media personality, but many will recall that she was the founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, which are often referred to as the “Grammys of gospel music in South Africa” since they their inception in 2007.
Zanele Mbokazi was born and raised in Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, and she spent most of her life in the province. She grew in prominence in radio and in the South African gospel music industry. Her contribution, by promoting gospel music talent from KZN and beyond, through the Crown Gospel Awards certainly changed many people’s lives and fortunes. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in KZN and across South Africa.
It is with a heavy heart that we have started the week and Women’s Month, with the sad news of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s untimely passing. On behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal and Provincial Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ukhozi FM listeners, her colleagues, and the family of the beloved radio personality, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Grief has gripped the airwaves of her beloved Ukhozi FM as listeners, colleagues, friends come to terms with this immense loss.
We had every hope that she was going to recover from her illness because Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule was not merely a presenter, she was a beacon of hope and inspiration in the broadcasting industry. Through her show “Eshilo” which was broadcast every Sunday morning from 9am to 12, she connected with people on a personal level, making each one feel seen and heard.
Her passion for radio and commitment to providing quality content made her an irreplaceable part of our community, and her absence will be deeply felt. For dedicating her life to uplift others by spreading messages of hope, faith, and resilience, she deserves to be applauded. It is for this reason that I have recommended that government officially takes part in the funeral arrangements, guided by the family.