Zanele Mbokazi, Crown Gospel Awards Founder, Dies at 52

Zanele Mbokazi, the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and a celebrated radio presenter on Ukhozi FM, has passed away at the age of 52. The news of her death, which occurred in the early hours of August 12th at Parklands Hospital, was shared by her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, who expressed deep gratitude for the support they received during her illness.

In a statement shared on social media, Bishop Nkambule expressed the family's profound loss: "It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi family, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms. Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. She departed to be with the Lord in the early hours of 12 August at Parklands Hospital. We are grateful for all the prayers, love, and support we received throughout her illness."

A Battle with Lung Cancer

Mbokazi's health struggles became public earlier this year when her husband and Ukhozi FM business manager, Sbongi Ngcobo, revealed that she had been diagnosed with lung cancer. Her condition, which worsened in April, led to her hospitalization. During a procedure to address her shortness of breath, doctors discovered the extent of the illness.

Despite her declining health, Mbokazi's influence and spirit remained strong. In June, friends and colleagues gathered for an evening prayer event at the Sandton Assemblies of God Church in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, to support her during what was reported to be a critical phase of her illness.

Legacy of the Crown Gospel Music Awards

Mbokazi's legacy is perhaps most enduring in the Crown Gospel Music Awards, which she founded in 2008. The awards quickly became a prestigious event in South Africa's gospel music scene, celebrating the contributions of artists across the country. Last year, the awards were held in Johannesburg for the first time in over a decade, marking a significant milestone in the event's history.

Despite the sorrow surrounding Mbokazi's passing, this year's Crown Gospel Music Awards will proceed as planned. The nominations, which opened just days before her death, will close on 30 September. The ceremony, expected to take place in Gauteng later this year, will be a poignant reminder of Mbokazi's lasting impact on the industry.

A Community in Mourning

The news of Mbokazi's death has sent ripples of grief throughout the South African community, particularly among those who admired her work in the media and her contributions to gospel music. Her absence from the airwaves was keenly felt, and her passing marks a significant loss to the nation.

As South Africa mourns the loss of a true pioneer, Zanele Mbokazi’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of gospel artists and media professionals. Her vision, passion, and unwavering faith will be remembered by all who knew her and those who were touched by her work.