During the emotional memorial service for Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, held on Thursday at the GNF in Durban, something deeply distressing caught the attention of those in attendance.
While her family and friends gathered to honor the life of the beloved founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, it became evident that her daughter, Yolanda Myeza, was in immense pain.
The sorrow she displayed was so profound that many in the crowd expressed concerns, believing that she should seek counseling to help cope with the overwhelming grief.
The memorial service, which brought together friends, family, and industry colleagues, served as a tribute to Mbokazi-Nkambule, who passed away after a brief battle with cancer in the early hours of Monday. Her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, and her daughters, Yolanda Myeza and Nonjabulo Mdluli, delivered moving tributes, reflecting on the enormous impact she had on their lives and the deep void her passing has left.
Mbokazi-Nkambule was not only a devoted mother to her biological children, Yolanda and Mawande Myeza, but also took Nonjabulo Mdluli under her wing, considering her as a daughter. In their tributes, her daughters shared the profound love their mother had for them and how her absence feels like an unbearable nightmare. They expressed gratitude to everyone who had supported them since their mother’s diagnosis, acknowledging the love and care that surrounded them during the challenging days leading up to and following her death.
“Even in her passing, we felt the love and support from everyone around us,” Yolanda Myeza said, though her deep pain was evident to all. Observers noted how difficult it was for her to speak, as her grief seemed almost too much to bear. Many in the congregation felt that counseling might be necessary to help her navigate this heart-wrenching time.
“We are deeply hurt, but our mother taught us to remain steadfast in prayer and faith. Even when we find it hard to pray, we still come before the Lord, trusting that He understands our hearts,” Myeza continued, her voice trembling with emotion.
Earlier this year, Bishop Nkambule and Ukhozi FM business manager Sbongi Ngcobo had revealed that Mbokazi-Nkambule was battling lung cancer, following growing concerns about her health and absence from the public eye. The revelation, however, did little to diminish her spirit, as she continued to inspire those around her.
Mdluli, who served as her mother’s PR manager, spoke of the close bond she shared with Mbokazi-Nkambule, describing her as her best friend and confidante. “Our mother made sure we always felt her love, no matter where she was. She trusted me completely, and we made every decision together,” Mdluli shared. “There were signs that she might leave us soon, and she confided in me about certain things. We are going to miss every single detail about her, but we will make it through this because our dad is here, and we will be okay.”
Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, visibly emotional, expressed deep gratitude to the clergy who attended the memorial service and those who supported the family during this difficult time. He acknowledged the incredible person his wife was, praising her for her passion, dedication, and unwavering faith.
“I want to thank the Mbokazi family for giving me such a beautiful soul as my wife,” Bishop Nkambule said. “Zanele was a wonderful, beautiful, and dedicated person who did everything to the best of her ability. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. I was truly blessed to have lived with her, and I tried every day to show her how much I loved her.”
In his emotional tribute, Bishop Nkambule also expressed his appreciation for their three children, noting how they have always honored, loved, and respected him. He encouraged them to hold on to the faith their mother instilled in them, calling it the foundation of wisdom.
“She was my rock, my anchor, my best friend, and the light of my heart,” the bishop continued, his voice breaking as he recalled the difficult weeks leading up to her passing. “She was grateful for everything, even in her illness. I loved her with everything in me, and my heart is shattered into pieces. I’m going to miss her for a lifetime.”
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s funeral service is scheduled to take place on Saturday at the Durban International Convention Centre, starting at 09:00. She will be laid to rest in Mariannhill, Pinetown. The community is expected to come together once more to say their final goodbyes to a woman whose legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.