Media personality Zanele Mbokazi passes away

Crown Gospel Awards founder and media personality Zanele Mbokazi has passed away. 

Zanele passed away on Monday at the Parklands Hospital in Durban.

Her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, announced the passing in a statement. 

"It is with a heavy heart that we the Nkambule and Mbokazi family announce the passing of our dearly beloved Ms Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, founder of Crown Gospel Awards," reads the statement. 

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The 52-year-old passed away after publicly announcing in May that she was battling lung cancer. 

"She departed to be with the Lord; early hours of 12 August 2024, at Parklands Hospital," reads the statement posted on Facebook. 

Her husband has thanked all the people who supported his wife while she was battling cancer. 

"We are grateful for all the prayers, love and support we received throughout her illness."

He asked for privacy as they deal with the loss of the TV and radio personality. 

"The family would appreciate privacy as we navigate through this challenging time," read the statement. 

READ: Kelly Khumalo disses Crown Gospel Awards after failing to win

Zanele broke into the entertainment industry in the early 90s. She hosted several shows on SABC 1, as well as One Gospel. 

Her awards ceremony, the Crown Gospel Awards, is the biggest Gospel awards ceremony in South Africa. 

Weeks back, several gatherings were held in different parts of the country to pray for her recovery. 

The gatherings were attended by the who's who of the Gospel and media space, including Rebecca Malope. 

In July, Zanele, who was a motivational speaker, took to Facebook to talk about how she is dealing with cancer. 

"LET ME CONFESS. Let's get real for a moment! I have encouraged people all my life and my trust in God is unshakable," she wrote on Facebook. 

"It is hard to encourage yourself! 😭. There are days when you just want to say, I am tired! Days when you don't even want to take your medication! Days when messages from loved ones ' how are you today' ' uzoba right' just irritate you.Days when you ask so many questions. Days when you feel 'nobody understands what you are going through'. Thank God for proffessional and spiritual help.Please, if you experience the above,  seek help. It is okey to be not okey!" she wrote. 

Following the news of her passing, #RIPZaneleMbokazi has been trending on social media. 

See some of the messages below. 

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Image courtesy of Instagram.