Mourners gathered to pay their respects to broadcaster, businesswoman, author and mother to the gospel music fraternity Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule. Her memorial service was held at the SABC offices in Durban.

A PRAYING WARRIOR

The KZN government said they lost a valuable member of the province. “We have really lost a treasure in the industry, a friend and founder of the Crown Gospel Awards. She was different from many people in the industry. She never left a place without praying - she was a praying warrior,” eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba said, adding that, “Besides being a radio broadcaster, she was a mother and was loved by many in KwaZulu Natal.MaZet left us at a bad time when we needed people to stand firm for the Christian religion. KZN is where a lot of dirt and chaos is happening."

Her sister, Kitty Mbokazi-Zulu, said she was in pain and believes that she is now resting. "She would cry, feeling sorry for me. Let us allow her to rest,” Zulu said. “You know, Zanele was always dressed impeccably. She had a great sense of humour and she loved family. We loved her until the end.” Her grandchildren tearfully shared their memories and said life will be very tough without her. "We are grateful that she taught us prayer, because that is all we have right now in this time of need."

A LEADER

Her family members said Zanele was different from others. “She loved herself and was a lady. Even when you offered her something, she took her time and would look at it first and decide if it was something she wanted. She loved praying and joined the church choir early in life,” Weh Harris said. “In the 1980’s she joined another choir and became a leader at a young age.” She said Zanele was always at the forefront of her friends. “Because of her intelligence, she was able to start the Crown Gospel Awards. She always shared her gift with others. Zanele was loving and smart from a young age. She loved her family and would drop anything to be with her loved ones in their time of need.”