RIP; Zanele Mbokazi Death – Renowned Ukhozi FM Show Host passed away after battling lung cancer on Monday 12th August 2024. She died surrounded by her beloved family.
Zanele Mbokazi was born in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, a province on South Africa’s eastern coast on November 7, 1971. Despite the limited information available about her early childhood and family background, it is evident that Zanele’s upbringing in Durban played a significant role in shaping her future.
She attended and graduated from St. Francis College at Marianhill High School, a reputable institution known for nurturing some of South Africa’s brightest minds. After completing high school, Zanele pursued a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at the University of Natal, where she majored in English and Politics.
Her academic excellence did not stop there; she went on to earn a BA Honours in Communications and Media, and later, a Diploma in Public Relations from Damelin. These qualifications provided her with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the media and communication industries.
Zanele Mbokazi’s career was a testament to her versatility and dedication. She first entered the media industry in the early 1990s, making her television debut on the reality show “Livewire,” which aired on NNTV. This initial exposure paved the way for her future endeavors in broadcasting and public relations.
In 1995, Zanele joined Ukhozi FM, one of South Africa’s largest radio stations, where she presented gospel music programs and hosted gospel talk shows. Her work at Ukhozi FM quickly established her as a trusted voice in the community, known for her deep understanding of gospel music and her ability to connect with listeners. During her time at Ukhozi FM, she also worked as a news and current affairs presenter for Radio KZN, further showcasing her versatility as a broadcaster.
Zanele’s career took another significant step forward in 1997 when she became a presenter on SABC1, hosting a gospel music show called “Ihora Lokudumisa.” This role allowed her to reach an even wider audience and solidified her status as a leading figure in South Africa’s gospel music scene.
Her passion for gospel music and her desire to promote it led her to establish her own public relations company, Mirror PR and Events, in 1999. Through this company, Zanele has been instrumental in organizing some of South Africa’s most prestigious events, including the annual Crown Gospel Music Awards.
Zanele Mbokazi’s contributions to gospel music in South Africa cannot be overstated. She is best known for being the host and producer of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, an event that celebrates the achievements of gospel artists across the country. The awards have become a cornerstone of the gospel music industry, providing a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents.
In addition to her work with the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Zanele continued to influence the gospel music industry through her role as a producer and presenter of various gospel shows. She hosted the first season of the One Gospel reality competition “Shine” in 2010, further demonstrating her commitment to nurturing new talent in the gospel music industry.