Crown Gospel Music Awards founder Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule has been praised as an influential person who helped the economy of eThekwini and changed many lives.
Mbokazi-Nkambule passed away on Monday morning after battling lung cancer.
On Tuesday, people from the entertainment industry and politicians visited her family home in La Mercy, north of Durban, to honour her for the changes she made through the Crown Gospel Music Awards, which created jobs and boosted Durban’s economy.
Dudu Khoza, a longtime broadcaster from Ukhozi FM who worked closely with Mbokazi-Nkambule, said they are heartbroken because she helped many people rebuild their careers and lives.
Ukhozi FM station manager Sbongi Ngcobo said they had no plans to replace Mbokazi-Nkambule, as they had hoped she would recover and return to work.
Mbokazi-Nkambule was also a gospel presenter at Ukhozi FM.
Businesswoman Nokuthula Khasibe, known as Madam Noks and CEO of the Durban-based Podcast Affirmation, spoke about Mbokazi-Nkambule’s important role in helping eThekwini’s tourism sector.
“Mbokazi-Nkambule is an icon who will be remembered for making KZN businesswomen proud across Africa. Her Gospel Music Awards helped increase eThekwini’s income by bringing investments to the city,” she said.
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba offered his condolences to Mbokazi-Nkambule’s family, friends, Ukhozi FM, and the entertainment industry.
He said that through the Crown Gospel Awards, Mbokazi-Nkambule made Durban a top spot for major events and tourism.
Sandile Ngema from the Indonsa Yesizwe Think Tank, of which Mbokazi-Nkambule was a member, said that Mbokazi-Nkambule strongly supported South Africa’s development through democracy.
On Tuesday, many well-known figures, including opera music veteran and CEO of The Playhouse Company Linda Bukhosini, former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, and Ukhozi FM presenters visited Mbokazi-Nkambule’s home to pay their last respects.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 1pm at the GNF Church in Durban Station.
Her funeral will take place on Saturday at the Durban ICC, and she will be laid to rest in Marianhill, west of Durban.
Pictured above: Celebrities and politicians gathered at Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s home in La Mercy after her passing.
Source: Celani Sikhakhane
