Mourners celebrate Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s legacy of promoting the rich tradition of gospel music

“She changed people’s lives in a remarkable way,” said Simphiwe Ngcobo, the regional manager of the SABC in Kwazulu-Natal, about Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.

Family, friends and co-workers gathered at the GNF Durban Station on Thursday for Mbokazi-Nkambule’s memorial service.

The Ukhozi FM broadcaster and Crown Gospel Awards founder succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 52 on Monday at Parklands Hospital in Durban, leaving behind her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, and her daughter, Yolanda.

Read more: Tributes pour in for Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule – ‘She nurtured the growth of gospel music in South Africa’

Affectionately known to her fans as “Mazetzet”, Mbokazi-Nkambule was remembered at her memorial service for her impact on the gospel music industry.

Dr Stella Khumalo, the acting director-general of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said: “What we appreciate as the government of South Africa is the fact that [her beauty] was reflected through the work she did, especially to uplift the artists and the creatives, not just of this country but those outside the country as well.”

She said the Crown Gospel Awards were “the beacon of her vision and a platform to honour the artistic excellence and help us promote the rich tradition of gospel music.

“South Africa as a country has enjoyed the limelight through her hard work, globally and otherwise, through her innovation and passion, and with her departure, we believe that the world is less bright.”

Khumalo said the government was committed to “continue to support the Crown Gospel Awards”.   

Yolanda Myeza said of her mother: “We were raised by a force. We were raised by a powerhouse. 

“It was only three months from the day that Mom was diagnosed to the day she left us — a very, very short time. But in those three months, the love that we were shown, the love that you showed her, was immense.”

Mbokazi-Nkambule’s health began to decline earlier this year. On Sunday, 21 April, she missed her popular Eshilo show on Ukhozi FM, sparking concern among her loyal listeners.

She was admitted to hospital and her husband announced her lung cancer diagnosis on Ukhozi FM.

The Assemblies of God church rallied around her, hosting special sessions of prayers for her recovery.  

A life of service and achievement