Quick Facts
| Full Name | Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 7, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Date of Death | July 12, 2024 |
| Place of Death | Parklands Hospital, Durban, South Africa |
| Occupation | Preacher, Evangelist, TV Presenter, Entrepreneur |
| Notable Works | Producer of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Host of Gospel Gold |
| Education | BA in English and Politics (University of Natal), BA Honors in Media and Communications (University of Natal), PR Diploma (Damelin) |
| Spouse | Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule |
| Children | Yolanda |
| Company Founded | Mirror PR and Events, World Gospel Power House |
Early Life and Education
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule was born on November 7, 1971, in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She was raised in the vibrant city of Durban, where she completed her primary education. Zanele attended St. Francis College in Marianhill for her secondary education, where she excelled academically and developed a passion for public speaking and media.
After matriculating, she enrolled at the University of Natal, now known as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in English and Politics. Her academic journey didn’t stop there; she further pursued a BA Honors degree in Media and Communications at the same university and obtained a PR Diploma from Damelin.
Career
Zanele’s career in the media industry began in the 1990s when she starred in the reality show Livewire on the then NNTV. This initial exposure led her to a role as a presenter for gospel music programs and talk shows on Ukhozi FM, one of South Africa’s most popular radio stations.
In 1997, Zanele expanded her career to television, working as a news and current affairs presenter for SABC1. She also presented the gospel music program Ihora Lokudumisa, which further established her as a respected figure in the South African gospel community.
In 1999, Zanele founded her public relations company, Mirror PR and Events, which specializes in event management, communications, PR, and media strategies. Through this company, she managed and produced top local and international events, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled entrepreneur.
Zanele was the visionary behind the Crown Gospel Music Awards, an annual event that celebrates excellence in gospel music. Her work in this area earned her widespread recognition and respect. She also hosted the first season of the ONE Gospel reality competition Shine in 2010 and later presented the SABC1 religious talk show Khwezela/Rekindle with Zanele Mbokazi in 2012.
In 2023, after a 23-year hiatus, Zanele returned to radio, resuming her work as a presenter on Ukhozi FM, much to the delight of her fans.
Personal Life
Zanele married Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule of Word of Hope Ministries in 2011. The couple shared a deep commitment to their faith and ministry, working together to spread the message of hope and empowerment. Zanele was previously married and divorced before finding love again with Bishop Nkambule.
Zanele was a proud mother and often shared moments of her life with her daughter Yolanda on social media. Her 50th birthday celebration was a grand event held at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban, with a red and black theme.
Cause of Death
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule passed away in the early hours of Monday, 12 July 2024, at Parklands Hospital in Durban. Her daughter Nonjabulo later revealed to TshisaLIVE that Zanele had undergone minor surgery for shortness of breath.
Bishop Mpendulo then revealed his wife had been diagnosed with lung cancer.