Mbokazi Nkambule, 52, died in the early hours of Monday morning at Parklands Hospital in Durban after a battle with lung cancer.
Family and friends gathered at the Durban International Conference Centre for the funeral of the late Ukozi FM radio presenter and founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule.
Several prominent musicians and politicians are due to take to the stage during the ceremony, including KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli.
WATCH: Funeral of Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule:
Mbokazi Nkambule has “touched hearts and changed lives”
Mbokazi Nkambule, 52, died in the early hours of Monday morning at Parklands Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, after a battle with lung cancer.
This was confirmed by her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule.
Ukozi FM Business Manager Sbongji Ngcobo said Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule's tenure at the station, which began in 1995 and continued until her death, had changed people's lives.
Also read: Memorial service for Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule
“During her tenure, Zanele was an integral part of the Ukozi FM family, spreading love, hope and inspiration to countless listeners through her uplifting gospel shows. Her passion for sharing the message of faith and her infectious enthusiasm touched hearts and changed lives,” Ngcobo said in a statement.
Memorial service
The memorial service took place on Thursday at Ukozi FM studios where Mbokazi-Nkambule worked.
Mbokazi Nkambure joined Ukozi FM in 1995 as a presenter of the Gospel Music programme and subsequently rejoined Ukozi FM in April 2023 as an on-air presenter until his untimely death.
“The SABC will always cherish our partnership with Mbokazi Nkambule at the Crown Gospel Music Awards as they have shone a light on a much-loved genre of music in the country,” asserted Lara Tuku, SABC's Acting Group Executive, Video and Entertainment.
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“Her passion for advancing the music industry is admirable.”
Mbokazi Nkambule is also the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, organised in partnership with SABC 1, the SABC's video entertainment channel.
