Zanele Mbokazi. (Oupa Bopape/Gallo Images) Zanele Mbokazi, founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards and Ukhozi FM radio presenter, died at the age of 52 after a battle with lung cancer. News of her death was shared by her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, who expressed gratitude for the support received during her illness.
The awards were expected to proceed as planned, with nominations for this year's ceremony closing on 30 September. Crown Gospel Music Awards founder and Ukhozi FM radio presenter Zanele Mbokazi (52) has died. News of her death was confirmed to News24 following a statement shared by Mbokazi's husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, on social media.
"It is with a heavy heart that we, the Nkambule and Mbokazi family, announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule," the statement read. "She departed to be with the Lord [in the] early hours of 12 August, Parklands Hospital. We are grateful for all the prayers, love and support we received throughout her illness.
" See the full statement here. Earlier in the year, Bishop Nkambule and Ukhozi FM business manager Sbongi Ngcobo announced that Mbokazi was diagnosed with lung cancer. The announcement was made following speculation about her health and absence from the airwaves.
Nkambule said his wife fell ill in April and was admitted to hospital after her condition worsened. He added that it was during an operation that Mbokazi underwent after experiencing shortness of breath that doctors discovered she had lung cancer. In June, Mbokazi's friends and colleagues organised an evening prayer event at the Sandton Assemblies of God Church in Sunninghill, Johannesburg, after learning that the radio presenter was reportedly in a critical condition.
Just days before her death, the Crown Gospel Music Awards opened nominees for this year's awards ceremony. The nominations close on 30 September. Per Daily Sun, this year's award ceremony, expected to take place in Gauteng later in the year, will go ahead as planned.
Established in 2008, the awards took place in Johannesburg for the first time in over a decade last year. READ MORE | 'A perfect home': The Crown Gospel Music Awards relocates to vibrant Johannesburg We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day.
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