Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule laid to rest in Durban

SABC Radio presenter, preacher and Crown Gospel Music Awards founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule has been laid to rest in Durban. Family, friends and government officials attended her funeral service at the Durban ICC.

She was honoured by the provincial government with a Special Provincial Official Funeral, Category 2.

Mbokazi-Nkambule passed away on Monday after a battle with lung cancer.

Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule | Founder of Crown Gospel Music awards and Ukhozi FM personality passes away:

An emotional send off, befitting of a woman who had touched so many lives. Mourners wore white paying homage to Mbokazi-Nkambule as she believed the colour white represented a symbol of forgiveness and purity.

Celebrating in song and dance, mourners reflected on fond memories. She was described as an extra-ordinary woman, who exuded humility, kindness and spiritual anointing whilst being bold and fierce, a trait that many of her peers in the music and business industry admired.

Her children and grandchildren gave moving tributes and expressed their gratitude for the love and strength their mother instilled in them.

Her husband Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule described his wife as a spiritual warrior who grounded him. A family member delivered a moving tribute on his behalf.

Mbokazi-Nkambule has been hailed for her role in uplifting the economy of the province having championed the Crown Gospel Music Awards which played a significant role in reviving tourism in KwaZulu-Natal.

“I would like to raise something important in relation to maMbokazi’s contribution and works. The Crown Gospel Music Awards played a significant role in reviving tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, especially eThekwini. The Crown Gospel Awards weekend would inject a lot of money into eThekwini as hundreds would descend on the city, and hotel occupancy would rise. These awards also promoted our province,” says Thami Ntuli, KZN Premier.

Ukhozi FM also lauded Mbokazi-Nkambule for her work ethic, saying she left an indelible mark, encouraging and inspiring for not only her listeners but her peers.

Through her show ‘Eshilo’ she connected with people on a personal level making each one feel seen and heard.

Her family says her legacy, will live on through the Crown Gospel Awards and the countless lives she influenced through her work.

Video: Crown Gospel Music Awards founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule remembered