Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a name synonymous with inspiration and leadership, left an indelible mark on South Africa’s broadcasting and gospel music scene. Her passing has sent waves of sorrow throughout the country, but her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals. This article explores her life, career, and the impact she made as a Gospel Awards founder and Ukhozi FM presenter.
Early Life
Zanele Mbokazi was born on November 7, 1971, in Durban, South Africa, and grew up in the eastern coastal city of KwaZulu-Natal. While details about her childhood experiences are scarce, and little is known about her parents and siblings, her early life in this vibrant region laid the foundation for her later achievements.
Education
Zanele’s academic journey was one of passion and dedication. Zanele Mbokazi pursued her higher education at the University of Natal, now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Politics. She furthered her studies by obtaining a BA Honours degree in Media and Communications. In addition, she completed a Public Relations diploma at Damelin, providing her with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic South African media industry.
Age
Zanele Mbokazi was 52 years old at the time of her passing on August 12, 2024.
Career
Zanele Mbokazi’s media career began in the 1990s, where she made her mark with appearances on reality TV shows and various radio programs. She became well-known as a presenter of gospel music and talk shows on Ukhozi FM, and later expanded her reach as a news and current affairs presenter for SABC 1.
In 1999, Zanele founded Mirror PR and Events, a company specializing in event management, communications, and media strategies. Through this company, she produced numerous high-profile local and international events, including the renowned Crown Gospel Music Awards, which she established in 2008 to celebrate excellence in the gospel music industry. The awards were held in Johannesburg for the first time in over a decade last year.
In addition to her radio and event management work, Zanele also hosted several television shows, including Shine and Khwezela/Rekindle with Zanele Mbokazi. After a 23-year break from radio, she made a triumphant return in 2023, once again presenting on Ukhozi FM.
Net Worth
Zanele Mbokazi was estimated to have a net worth between $1 and $3 million.
Family
Zanele Mbokazi was not only a prominent public figure but also a devoted wife, mother, and daughter. She shared a life of faith and mutual respect with her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule. Zanele is survived by her husband and their two children, Yolanda and Mawande Myeza.
Legacy
Zanele Mbokazi profoundly impacted the gospel community by providing a platform for artists through the Gospel Awards and promoting gospel music on Ukhozi FM. A mentor and advocate, she played a key role in the growth of gospel music in South Africa. Her legacy of empowerment, inspiration, and breaking barriers continues to be felt in the lives she touched, the artists she mentored, and the awards she founded.
Death
Zanele Mbokazi passed away in the early hours of August 12, at Parklands Hospital. Zanele had been battling lung cancer, a diagnosis that was publicly shared by her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, on Ukhozi FM, where she hosted the gospel show Eshilo on Sundays. She reportedly began feeling unwell in April of this year and underwent surgery after experiencing shortness of breath. Tragically, Zanele’s health continued to decline, and her husband confirmed her passing on X, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi family, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms. Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and Ukhozi FM radio personality.”
Tributes
In the wake of her passing, tributes have poured in from across the country and beyond. Friends, family, colleagues, and fans have all shared their memories of Zanele, highlighting the impact she had on their lives. These tributes are a reflection of the love and respect that many had for her, and they serve as a reminder of the remarkable life she lived.
FAQs
1. Who was Zanele Mbokazi?
Zanele Mbokazi was a South African broadcaster, Gospel Awards founder, and Ukhozi FM presenter. She was a prominent figure in the gospel music industry.
2. What were Zanele Mbokazi’s major achievements?
Zanele founded the Gospel Awards, one of South Africa’s most prestigious gospel music events, and was a celebrated presenter at Ukhozi FM.
3. How did Zanele Mbokazi impact the gospel music community?
Through the Gospel Awards and her work at Ukhozi FM, Zanele provided a platform for gospel artists and helped promote the genre to a wider audience.
4. When did Zanele Mbokazi pass away?
Zanele Mbokazi passed away on August 12, 2024.
5. What is Zanele Mbokazi’s legacy?
Zanele’s legacy is one of inspiration, empowerment, and significant contributions to the gospel music industry and broadcasting in South Africa.
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