She is the founder of the Crown Gospel Awards. Award-winning entrepreneur, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule's name is synonymous with the words innovator, business, and gospel industry mogul. She was recently awarded a Global Africa Award, for her contribution to the music eventing industry in the continent in the last 20 years. With the many business ventures, Zanele has also been dubbed a scammer for constantly re-inventing herself and venturing into different businesses. She started her career at Unilever and later worked at the SABC (Ukhozi FM and SABC1) Soweto TV, TBN, to becoming the editor of Umafrika newspaper women's supplement. In 2001 she started Mirror PR &Events.
HER LATEST BUSINESS VENTURE
Her latest business venture involves mentorship and life coaching. Zanele is recruiting those seeking to boost their confidence, self-esteem, and confidence in the new year. She promises financial, personal and spiritual turnaround. "I am so excited that the 'My Turnaround' classes are back. I know that you have been working hard and you really want to succeed.But at times you feel that you are not good enough, the confidence is not there, and you look at other people who are less gifted and educated doing so much better. Most of the time they have someone behind them, guiding them. You need a couch and a mentor. I am a turnaround coach and speaker, and I would like to help you. Everyone needs a turnaround.' She offers online courses from across the world.
IN THE BUSINESS OF EDUCATION
Last year, Zanele was accused of being part of a fly-by-night college. Her video made rounds on social media where she is talking about the purpose of Pathways Institutes. Zanele was reported to be one of the Directors of the school. In a viral video on social media, she shared what the school offers, which includes short courses in bricklaying, agriculture, and many more and registration fees of R2500.
SELLING MOTORBIKES AND SHARES
Zanele has also been in business with Mandla Lamba, who is knownfor having acquired a fake reputation as the country's "youngest billionaire" and a successful mining tycoon. Mandla was arrested at Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton in connection with 15 cases of fraud and a case of culpable homicide. In 2021 but he returned with a bang and formed a new business, selling shares and using celebrities like Somizi Mhlongo. Zanele also joined the bandwagon at Agilitee, promising to produce four models of electric bikes, including the "Agilitee Somizi" bike. The bikes were priced from R48 000 with "face-scan technology" and owners would be able to swap depleted bike batteries for recharged batteries at stations across SouthAfrica. The company has since been quiet.
DOING BUSINESS IN DUBAI
In 2019 Zanele resurfaced on social media in a video telling people to join an online business based in Dubai and promising them fruitful results and making R10 000 per day. Reacting to the video, Phil, blogger and social media influence, asked why Zanele was scamming people. "I cannot lie. I do not lie; I am a businesswoman. I found this by chance. I didn't know how it works but I saw the money coming in and I wanted to keep it a secret at first. I eventually decided to share it. Is it a pyramid scheme, or a fake business, I don't know. I just know that they are an online business, and the money is coming in.'
A FUNERAL
In 2016 Zanele launched The Last Journey Funeral Director, a funeral parlour that claimed to bury loved ones with dignity. A customer of the funeral pralour accused the businesswoman of not living up to her promises and allegedly disappearing with the deceased's money.
FRAUD INVESTIGATIONS
Some years ago, Zanele was named in a fraud investigation and was reported to have used a fictitious invoice book to defraud the council of R3 000 during the Durban Celebrate Week. Instead of paying Bhekokwakhe Zondi, a photographer hired to take photos at the event, she allegedly pocketed the cash. Bhekokwakhe told various publications that she would contact him when the money was available but when he called, she was rude and never paid. The same year,Titus Sibanda accused Zanele of short-changing him out of R150 000 to stage theMiss Durban beauty pageant, part of the Durban Celebrate Week event.
