Mbokazi Nkambule, 52, died in the early hours of Monday morning at Parklands Hospital in Durban after a battle with lung cancer.
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.
“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.
Mbokazi Nkambule, 52, died in the early hours of Monday morning at Parklands Hospital in Durban after a battle with lung cancer.
This was confirmed by her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule.
Time in Ukhoj
Mbokazi Nkambule, fondly known as “Mazet” by millions of listeners on Ukozi FM, was the host of the Sunday morning spiritual show, “Esilo”, which aired from 9am to 12noon.
Mbokazi Nkambure joined Ukozi FM in 1995 as a presenter of the Gospel Music programme and subsequently rejoined Ukozi FM on April 1, 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.
“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.
Related article: Crown Gospel Music Awards founder Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule passes away
Fighting Cancer
The late announcer reportedly fell ill in April this year, was diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent surgery after experiencing shortness of breath.
In June, 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 evangelical legends and preachers such as Rebecca Malope, Bishop Benjamin Dube, Sfiso Mabuza, Solly Mahlangu and Bishop Mpendullo Nkambule.
“I am humbled by this gesture and 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),” Mbokazi Nkambule wrote on Instagram.
Bishop Nkambule expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of prayers, love and support the family received during Mbokazi Nkambule's illness. Her memorial service will be held at the SABC offices in Durban on Thursday.
Read now: 'She changed so many lives': Tributes pour in for Zanele Mbokazi Nkambule