By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The late Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule received a vibrant send-off from thousands of mourners who gathered at her funeral service at the Durban ICC on Saturday.
Mbokazi-Nkambule was laid to rest at Mariannhill cemetery in Pinetown.
The 52-year-old succumbed to a battle with lung cancer in the early hours of Monday morning at Parklands Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
News of her death was confirmed by her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, who said in a brief statement on social media that she died at the Netcare Parklands Hospital in Durban.
“It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi family, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, the founder of Crown Gospel Music Awards and Ukhozi FM radio personality,” read Bishop Mpendulo’s statement.
The gospel icon was diagnosed with lung cancer, and her husband and the station’s business manager, Sbongi Ngcobo, announced the news on Ukhozi FM’s breakfast show, Vuka Mzansi, in May after her absence from the airwaves.
She was honoured by the provincial government with a Special Provincial Official Funeral, Category 2.
Mourners wore white paying homage to Mbokazi-Nkambule as she believed the colour white represented a symbol of forgiveness and purity.
Celebrating in song and dance, mourners reflected on fond memories. She was described as an extra-ordinary woman, who exuded humility, kindness and spiritual anointing whilst being bold and fierce, a trait that many of her peers in the music and business industry admired.
Mourners included Bishop Benjamin Dube, Dr Rebecca Malope, Lindelani Mkhize, Dumi Mkokstad, Dr SD Gumbi and many others.
On the podium Mbokazi-Nkambule’s children Yolanda and Mawande expressed their heartbreak over the passing of their mother and reminisced about the good times she shared with them.
Speaking on their behalf, Mbokazi-Nkambule’s niece Nonjabulo said: “A long time ago there was Qondi [Nonjabulo’s biological mother], she passed away when I was little. Before she died she told me that Aunt Zanele will be there for me, and she took the task of raising me as her child. Mama (Zanele) worked really hard, she trusted me in everything she did.
“I think she trained me for this day, but I was never ready. She was sick. Days before she received her diagnosis I broke my leg. We were chatting on WhatsApp as she was in her room in bed and I was in another room. She told me to work hard, she was crying and told me she is sick,” she said.
Nonjabulo added that two days before her death she remembered that her mom had said Zanele is here for her. In her final moments she kept saying: “Hold me Qondi.”
“That experience tore my heart apart, I could see the worst is about to happen. We have a father and Mama loved him, Mama was obsessed with Baba, if Baba wasn’t around, Mama would get annoyed. May Zanele’s spirit live on.”
Her husband Bishop Nkambule described his wife as a spiritual warrior who grounded him. A family member delivered a moving tribute on his behalf.
Mbokazi-Nkambule has been hailed for her role in uplifting the economy of the province having championed the Crown Gospel Music Awards which played a significant role in reviving tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I would like to raise something important in relation to maMbokazi’s contribution and works. The Crown Gospel Music Awards played a significant role in reviving tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, especially eThekwini. The Crown Gospel Awards weekend would inject a lot of money into eThekwini as hundreds would descend on the city, and hotel occupancy would rise. These awards also promoted our province,” said Thami Ntuli, KZN Premier.
Ukhozi FM also lauded Mbokazi-Nkambule for her work ethic, saying she left an indelible mark, encouraging and inspiring for not only her listeners but her peers.
Author, mentor, life coach, seasoned broadcaster, businesswoman, wife, and mother—these are some hats the Crown Gospel Music Awards founder Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule wore.
She was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and spent most of her life in the province.
Mbokazi-Nkambule had a BA in English and Politics from the University of Natal, a BA Honours in Media and Communications from the University of Natal, and a PR Diploma from Damelin.