Durban — Political leaders and parties have joined many in paying tribute following the death of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule -- Ukhozi FM presenter, Crown Gospel Awards founder and media personality.

In a statement, Mbokazi-Nkambule’s husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, said: “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 Awards & Ukhozi FM radio personality.

“She departed to be with the Lord; early hours of August 12, 2024, at Parklands Hospital.

“We are grateful for all the prayers, love and support we received throughout her illness.”

Mbokazi-Nkambule was born and raised in Durban. She grew in prominence in radio and the South African gospel music industry.

Her death comes days after nominations for the 17th Crown Gospel Music Awards were officially opened.

Reacting to her death, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli described Mbokazi-Nkambule as a pioneer of the arts and a respected radio journalist who used her platform to inspire hope.

Ntuli said he learnt with shock and sadness of Mbokazi-Nkambule’s passing.

“I have learnt with shock and sadness of the passing of Ukhozi FM presenter, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule,” Ntuli said.

“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 their inception in 2007.”

Ntuli said Mbokazi-Nkambule’s contribution, by promoting gospel music talent from KZN and beyond, through the Crown Gospel Awards changed many people’s lives and fortunes. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in KZN and across South Africa.

In 2013, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule with members of her board talking to the media ahead of a three-day event. Picture: Marilyn Bernard/ Independent Newspapers

“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 the 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, and friends come to terms with this immense loss,” Ntuli said.

“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 12pm, 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.”

Ntuli added he recommended the government officially take part in the funeral arrangements, guided by the family.

In 2022, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule addressed women during a mother daughter dialogue. Picture: Tumi Pakkies/Independent Newspapers

Former KZN premier, now Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala expressed sadness after learning of Mbokazi-Nkambule’s death.

He had the privilege of working with Mbokazi-Nkambule when he was KZN premier and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC.

“The news came utterly unexpected and we are still in pain and disbelief. Even though we were aware that she was undergoing health challenges, we prayed and cherished the hope that she was fighting a winning battle and she would soon return to her public responsibilities.”

Zikalala said he is certain many citizens feel the loss as that of a family member because, to many households in South Africa, she was like a family member.

She was admired, appreciated and loved like a family member by many of us, he said.

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Picture: Instgram

“Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule will be remembered as one of the giants of the creative industry. When she launched the Crown Gospel Awards, she elevated the South African Gospel music brand from the aisles of our churches and shone the spotlight on artists who otherwise would not be known to the world.

“Her vision was to take the Crown Gospel Awards to the rest of Africa; she wanted to place the genre firmly on an international footing.

“It is difficult to imagine the rise of gospel to where it is today as the number one of the most popular genres in our country without the massive contribution of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.”

Zikalala said Mbokazi-Nkambule’s voice will be missed by millions of listeners who religiously followed her Sunday show ‘Eshilo” on Ukhozi FM.

“Zanele was a go-getter who defied the odds of her humble beginnings on the outskirts of Mariannhill and rose to become a successful businesswoman, broadcaster and one of the most recognisable media personalities in our country,” Zikalala said.

“We are truly saddened by this loss to the nation.

“To the Mbokazi and Nkambule families, we commit your broken hearts at this time to the bosom of the Lord. May He comfort you.

“May He heal your hearts and give you strength to soldier on in the defiant spirit of your Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.

“May her soul rest in peace.”

Here’s how political parties reacted to the news of Mbokazi-Nkambule’s death:

@ATMovement_SA: [In Loving Memory of Zanele Mbokazi]

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) extends heartfelt condolences to the Mbokazi family, friends, Christian community, and all South Africans during this time of profound loss.

[In Loving Memory of Zanele Mbokazi]

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) extends heartfelt condolences to the Mbokazi family, friends, Christian community, and all South Africans during this time of profound loss.#RIPZaneleMbokazi #LegacyOfHope #ATMSupports pic.twitter.com/SO5BzTERMV
— African Transformation Movement (@ATMovement_SA) August 12, 2024

@EFFSouthAfrica: The EFF sends its deepest condolences to the Nkambule and Mbokazi families for the passing of Ms Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and UKhozi FM radio personality.

May her soul rest in peace.

The EFF sends its deepest condolences to the Nkambule and Mbokazi families for the passing of Ms. Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and UKhozi FM radio personality.

May her soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LAZCXLPVuj
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) August 12, 2024

@MYANC: The ANC mourns the passing of Zanele Mbokazi, beloved and award winning gospel singer and television presenter that brought South Africans a lifetime of spiritual soul. Her legacy lives on in the body of work she leaves behind.

May her beloved soul rest in peace.

The ANC mourns the passing of Zanele Mbokazi, beloved and award winning gospel singer and television presenter that
brought South Africans a lifetime of spiritual soul. Her legacy lives on in the
body of work she leaves behind.

May her beloved soul rest in peace.🕊️ pic.twitter.com/Pudc3a66x2
— African National Congress (@MYANC) August 12, 2024

@IFP_National: The IFP mourns the loss of esteemed radio presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, whose voice and passion touched many lives.

🐘🐘🐘🟥⬜️🟩⬛️🟨⬜️
The IFP mourns the loss of esteemed radio presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, whose voice and passion touched many lives. pic.twitter.com/YMmMTbNYoE
— #VoteIFP (@IFP_National) August 12, 2024

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Tributes continue pouring in for Mbokazi-Nkambule

Political leaders offer heartfelt tributes after Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s death