The South African gospel music industry has lost a luminary with the passing of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkabule, a renowned preacher, evangelist, television presenter, and entrepreneur. She was best known for creating and producing the annual Crown Gospel Music Awards, a testament to her tireless dedication to promoting gospel music and recognizing the achievements of gospel artists.
Zanele’s media career spanned over three decades, beginning in 1995 when she joined Ukhozi FM in Durban, presenting gospel music programs and talk shows. She later joined SABC1 as a news and current affairs presenter, also hosting the gospel music program “Ihora lokudumisa”.
A true entrepreneur, Zanele started her own public relations company, Mirror PR, in 1999. She was a presenter on the SABC1 gospel show “Gospel Gold” until 2007, when she transitioned to producing the show. Her other notable television credits include hosting the first season of the ONE Gospel reality competition “Shine” in 2010 and presenting the SABC1 religious talk show “Khwezela/Rekindle with Zanele Mbokazi” in 2012. She also hosted the popular radio show “Uhambo noNkulunkulu” (Journey with God) on Ukhozi FM.
A Legacy of Hope and Faith
Zanele’s legacy extends far beyond her impressive broadcasting career. As the founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, she played a pivotal role in recognizing and celebrating the outstanding achievements of gospel artists, contributing significantly to the growth and development of the industry.
Her unwavering faith, unrelenting passion, and unconditional love for humanity will be deeply missed, but her impact will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.
We honor Zanele’s memory by continuing to spread the message of hope and faith that she embodied. May her life’s work be a testament to the transformative power of gospel music and the impact one person can have on the world.
Photo: Supplied
