Zanele died in hospital early Monday morning.
Tributes continue to pour in Ukoji FM Presenter and founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule;
Zanele's husband, Bishop Mpendullo Nkambule, confirmed her death in a statement on Monday.
She died in the early hours of Monday, August 12, at Parklands Hospital, he said.
Bishop Nkambure also expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love and support the family has received throughout Zanele's illness.
“The family requests that their privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time,” he added.
Since then, fans and industry figures have taken to social media platforms to pay tribute to the late star.
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“She changed a lot of people's lives.”
Popular philanthropist BI Phakathi posted on Twitter: “My mother Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule was a visionary leader and a woman of purpose. She changed the lives of so many, including mine. To my mother, we are grateful for your influence. [on] “The mother of this generation. It's so hard to lose a mother. May you rest in peace in God's hands, Mama.”
Gospel singer Sibusiso Banda wrote: “You have broken my heart. Our industry will never be the same again. As you used to say, 'Asakile la'.”
“You loved us all and celebrated all of my life's victories. I will miss your advice, love and support. We prayed and prayed and did our best and left the rest to God. What a pioneer, what a woman, dream midwife, CEO, founder, philanthropist and more.”
Zanele's Cancer Diagnosis
The 52-year-old entertainer fell ill in April this year and was reportedly diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery after experiencing shortness of breath.
In June this year, gospel artistes and preachers hosted a vigil at the Assemblies of God church in Sandton to pray for her recovery.
The list of attendees included legendary gospel singers and preachers such as Rebecca Malope, Bishop Benjamin Dube, Sfiso Mabuza, Solly Mahlangu and Bishop Mpendullo Nkambule.
“I am humbled by this gesture and I ask for the glory of God…Thank you to all the artists and preachers (I know there are many more but I couldn't fit them all on one poster),” Zanele wrote on Instagram.
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