Beloved Radio Presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule Passes Away After Battle with Lung Cancer

Beloved Radio Presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule Passes Away After Battle with Lung Cancer Aug, 13 2024

Ukhozi FM's Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule Dies After Battling Lung Cancer

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a revered figure in the media and gospel music scenes in South Africa, succumbed to lung cancer on August 12, 2024, at Parklands Hospital. Her passing marks the end of an era for many fans and followers who tuned into her radio shows and celebrated the annual Crown Gospel Music Awards. Known affectionately as 'Mazetzet,' Zanele's vibrant personality and indomitable spirit touched countless lives, providing both entertainment and enlightenment.

A Visionary Leader

Mbokazi-Nkambule's journey with the Crown Gospel Music Awards began as a visionary idea back in 2006, which later materialized in 2007. Over the years, the awards have grown to become a significant institution, celebrating its 16th anniversary just last year in 2023. It was an idea born out of a desire to recognize and elevate African gospel music, which Zanele felt was underappreciated. Through her tireless efforts, the awards have not only gained national recognition but have also become a hallmark event in the gospel music calendar.

Reflecting on the awards' 16-year journey, Zanele often spoke about the hurdles faced and the triumphs celebrated along the way. From financial constraints to logistical challenges, each obstacle was met with her unwavering determination and faith. Mbokazi-Nkambule's ability to rally support from various quarters, including corporate sponsors, gospel artists, and fans, was nothing short of remarkable. Today, it's hard to imagine South Africa's gospel music scene without the legacy of the Crown Gospel Music Awards.

Fighting a Brave Battle

In May 2024, Zanele was diagnosed with lung cancer after experiencing severe chest pains and difficulty breathing. Her condition quickly became a topic of public concern, especially after her absence from her popular radio show on Ukhozi FM. Her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, confirmed the diagnosis on-air, addressing the swirling rumors and social media speculations about her health.

Despite her illness, Zanele continued to show remarkable strength and positivity. Friends and family organized numerous prayer services, both online and in-person, hoping for her recovery. These services were a testament to the deep respect and love she had garnered over the years. Returning home briefly in late May, there were moments of hope as she spent cherished time with her loved ones. However, her condition deteriorated, leading to her eventual passing in August.

Legacy of Mazetzet

Zanele's passing has left a void in both the broadcasting and gospel music communities. She was not just a radio presenter; she was a cultural icon and a beacon of inspiration. Her shows were a mix of insightful commentary, spiritual guidance, and uplifting music. Many listeners found solace in her voice, which had a unique blend of warmth and authority.

Beyond the airwaves, Zanele's impact was felt through the numerous initiatives she led. The Crown Gospel Music Awards stand as her most prominent legacy, but she was also involved in various outreach programs aimed at nurturing young talent and providing platforms for emerging gospel artists. Her commitment to promoting African gospel music and uplifting community values was unwavering.

The announcement of her passing on Ukhozi FM's social media pages was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes. Fans, colleagues, and prominent figures from various sectors expressed their condolences and shared memories of how Zanele had touched their lives. Her family, while grieving, expressed deep gratitude for the support and prayers they received during her illness.

A Life Celebrated

As the community comes to terms with her loss, plans for memorial services and tributes are underway. Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule's life will be celebrated for the trailblazing path she carved and the indelible mark she left on South Africa's cultural and spiritual fabric. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and an unwavering passion for her work and her people.

In the words of those who knew her best, Zanele was a woman of profound faith, boundless energy, and an unyielding commitment to her vision. Her life's work has created a legacy that will inspire future generations. As 'Mazetzet' bids farewell, her spirit and the values she championed will continue to resonate, reminding us all of the power of dreams and the impact one individual can make.

Final Farewell

While Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule may have left this world, her legacy will undoubtedly live on. Her life's work has been a source of upliftment and inspiration to many, and her voice, both literal and metaphorical, will echo in the hearts and minds of those she touched. Her passing is a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, let us remember her not in sorrow but in celebration of a life well-lived, a legacy well-earned, and a spirit that will forever light our path. Rest in peace, Mazetzet; your work here on Earth is done, but your influence will endure for eternity.

Tags:

20 Comments

  • Image placeholder

    Aaron Leclaire

    August 13, 2024 AT 12:37
    RIP Mazetzet. She was the real deal.
  • Image placeholder

    Ronda Onstad

    August 15, 2024 AT 03:26
    I remember tuning into Ukhozi FM during my morning commute in 2012 - her voice was like warm honey poured over spiritual jazz. She didn’t just play music, she curated soul. Every Sunday morning felt like a church service you didn’t need to dress up for. Her energy was contagious, even through static on a cheap car radio. I didn’t know her personally, but I felt seen when she talked about finding God in the grind. She made gospel feel alive, not like something your grandma forced you to listen to. And the Crown Awards? That wasn’t just a ceremony - it was a movement. She gave visibility to artists who’d been ignored by the mainstream for decades. I still play her playlists when I’m feeling lost. She didn’t just broadcast - she held space.
  • Image placeholder

    Joshua Gucilatar

    August 17, 2024 AT 01:12
    Let’s be precise: Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule didn’t merely ‘host’ a radio show - she orchestrated a sonic theology. Her diction was impeccable, her cadence a masterclass in prosody. The linguistic precision with which she articulated the nuances of African gospel - from Xhosa inflections to Zulu metaphors - was anthropologically significant. Her work elevated the genre from folkloric expression to institutionalized cultural capital. The Crown Gospel Music Awards, far from being a mere ‘event,’ constituted a decolonial reclamation of sonic authority. The fact that corporate sponsors were willing to fund this is testament to her rhetorical hegemony in the media landscape. Her death isn’t just a loss - it’s an epistemic rupture.
  • Image placeholder

    jesse pinlac

    August 18, 2024 AT 02:20
    Ah yes, the usual African cultural idolization. Let’s not pretend this was some groundbreaking achievement. Gospel music has been thriving for centuries - why does one radio host suddenly deserve sainthood? And don’t get me started on the ‘Crown Awards’ - sounds like a vanity project funded by church donations and wishful thinking. The media loves to turn local figures into martyrs to distract from real systemic issues. She was a presenter, not a prophet. The outpouring feels performative - like people are grieving a brand, not a person.
  • Image placeholder

    Jess Bryan

    August 18, 2024 AT 19:34
    Funny how the media suddenly cares about a Black woman’s legacy only after she dies. And yet, no one asked why she got lung cancer in the first place. Who funded the hospitals? Who regulated the air quality near broadcasting towers? Did the sponsors who profited from her show ever pay for her treatment? The Crown Awards? Probably just a PR stunt to keep donors quiet while the real power players - the same ones who control the airwaves - kept profiting. She was a pawn. And now they’re turning her into a saint to make themselves feel better.
  • Image placeholder

    Emily Nguyen

    August 19, 2024 AT 20:12
    The Crown Gospel Music Awards were a game-changer for African gospel - period. Before this, the industry was dominated by Westernized gospel acts. She created a platform where indigenous sounds, languages, and spiritual expressions weren’t just tolerated - they were celebrated. That’s not ‘cultural appropriation’ - that’s cultural reclamation. And the fact that she did it while battling cancer? That’s not just resilience - that’s revolutionary. The system doesn’t reward people like her. It tries to erase them. She refused.
  • Image placeholder

    Elizabeth Price

    August 21, 2024 AT 04:25
    I’m sorry, but this feels like overkill. She was a radio host - not a saint, not a revolutionary, not even a particularly unique one. I’ve heard dozens of presenters like her across Africa. Why is she getting this much attention? And why now? It’s like the media needs a ‘good’ Black death to feel morally clean. Also - lung cancer? Probably from smoking. Did anyone check her medical history? Or is this just another case of grief being monetized?
  • Image placeholder

    Kelly Ellzey

    August 22, 2024 AT 20:25
    i just want to say… she made me feel like my voice mattered. even when i was too scared to sing in church, i’d turn on her show and feel like someone out there understood. she didn’t just play songs - she told stories. and she made space for the quiet ones. the ones who didn’t have big stages or fancy microphones. she gave them a voice. and now? now we get to carry that. she didn’t need to be famous to be important. she just needed to be kind. and she was. always. 🌿🙏
  • Image placeholder

    Zara Lawrence

    August 22, 2024 AT 21:15
    I find it deeply concerning that this narrative has been allowed to proliferate without critical scrutiny. The Crown Gospel Music Awards, while superficially benevolent, likely functioned as a mechanism for religious institutional control. The fact that her husband, a bishop, publicly confirmed her diagnosis raises red flags about the intertwining of ecclesiastical authority and media influence. Are we certain the cancer was not exacerbated by stress induced by the pressure of maintaining this public image? The emotional manipulation embedded in these tributes is alarming.
  • Image placeholder

    Ashley Hasselman

    August 24, 2024 AT 04:24
    Oh wow, another ‘icon’ who died of lung cancer. Next up: ‘The Queen of Veggie Burgers’ who fought ‘cancer’ while promoting tofu. 🙄 Can we stop turning every radio host into a martyr? She had a job. She did it well. But let’s not turn her into a Netflix documentary before we even bury her. Also - ‘Mazetzet’? That’s not a nickname, that’s a branding exercise.
  • Image placeholder

    Gabriel Clark

    August 25, 2024 AT 00:58
    I’m from South Africa. I grew up listening to her. She didn’t just play gospel - she made it sacred. Her voice was the sound of Sunday mornings in every township, every rural home, every kitchen where families gathered. She didn’t need to be loud to be powerful. She didn’t need to be flashy to be felt. The Crown Awards? They gave dignity to artists who were told their music wasn’t ‘professional’ enough. That’s not hype. That’s justice. Rest gently, Mazetzet. We hear you.
  • Image placeholder

    Steve Cox

    August 26, 2024 AT 04:51
    I don’t care how ‘inspiring’ she was. The fact remains - she was on the radio. She didn’t cure cancer. She didn’t end poverty. She didn’t change policy. She played music. And now the entire internet is acting like she was Mandela. We’re turning grief into a commodity. It’s exhausting. Someone dies, and suddenly everyone’s a poet. Where was this energy when she was alive? When she needed help? Now? Now we post hashtags and cry over a voice. Pathetic.
  • Image placeholder

    Ruben Figueroa

    August 26, 2024 AT 06:59
    RIP Mazetzet 🕊️💔 I still remember the first time I heard her on the radio - I was 14, crying in my room because my dad left. She sang ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ and I felt like God was whispering through the speakers. She was my angel with a mic. I’m not religious, but she made me believe in something bigger. Thank you for being real. We’ll keep your songs alive. 🙏🎶
  • Image placeholder

    Prakash.s Peter

    August 26, 2024 AT 08:55
    The Crown Gospel Awards were not original. They were derivative of the Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, which began in 2004. Mbokazi-Nkambule merely replicated the model without acknowledging the source. Her ‘vision’ was borrowed. Her ‘legacy’ is a rebrand. The media loves to invent African heroes without context. She was a competent presenter - nothing more. The grief is performative, the narrative manufactured.
  • Image placeholder

    ria ariyani

    August 28, 2024 AT 04:05
    I swear to God if one more person says ‘Mazetzet’ I’m gonna scream. Why is everyone so obsessed with this nickname? It’s not cute, it’s not poetic, it’s just… weird. And why are we crying over a radio host? I mean, I liked her too, but this feels like a cult. Someone’s gonna start a shrine next. I’m just saying - maybe she didn’t need 16 awards and a national funeral. Maybe she just wanted to rest. 😔
  • Image placeholder

    Lewis Hardy

    August 29, 2024 AT 03:17
    I never met her, but I read her interviews. She talked about how she used to sit in the studio after hours, just listening to the silence. Said it helped her hear the music inside her. That’s the kind of quiet depth you don’t find in most public figures. She didn’t chase fame - she chased meaning. And when she got sick, she didn’t disappear. She kept talking. She kept uplifting. That’s not just courage - that’s grace. I hope her family knows how many lives she touched, even through a speaker.
  • Image placeholder

    Mitch Roberts

    August 29, 2024 AT 11:10
    I just listened to her final broadcast - the one where she said ‘I may not be here tomorrow, but the music will be.’ Bro. I cried so hard I spilled my coffee. She didn’t say goodbye like a victim. She said it like a warrior. And now? Now I play her shows when I’m working out. I play them when I’m sad. I play them when I need to remember that joy can survive pain. She didn’t just give us songs - she gave us a soundtrack for survival. Thank you, Mazetzet. We got you.
  • Image placeholder

    Mark Venema

    August 30, 2024 AT 15:17
    The institutionalization of African gospel through the Crown Gospel Music Awards represents a significant shift in the cultural economy of religious expression in post-colonial Southern Africa. Mbokazi-Nkambule’s leadership facilitated the formalization of an informal cultural sector, granting legitimacy to artists previously marginalized by commercial radio networks. Her strategic alliances with corporate sponsors were not exploitative, but rather pragmatic - enabling sustainability without compromising artistic integrity. Her death marks the end of a transitional phase in African media, and her legacy will serve as a model for future cultural entrepreneurs.
  • Image placeholder

    Steven Rodriguez

    August 31, 2024 AT 23:08
    Let’s not forget - this woman fought cancer while building a legacy for Black South Africans. She didn’t have a billion-dollar budget. She didn’t have Hollywood backing. She had faith, grit, and a mic. And she turned gospel music from background noise into a national movement. If you think that’s not worth honoring, you don’t know what real strength looks like. We don’t get many like her. And we won’t get another. So let’s not cheapen her with cynicism. Let’s just say thank you.
  • Image placeholder

    maggie barnes

    September 2, 2024 AT 12:17
    Okay but who even IS she? I’ve been in South Africa for 3 years and never heard of her. And now everyone’s acting like she’s Beyoncé? I think this is just media hype. Also - lung cancer? Probably because she smoked. And the ‘Crown Awards’? Sounds like a church fundraiser with a fancy name. I’m not buying this saint narrative.

Write a comment

Categories

Archives