Zanele Mbokazi’s husband reveals she has lung cancer

The family of ailing Ukhozi FM presenter Zanele Mbokazi has revealed that she has been diagnosed with lung cancer. Her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, shared the news on the Ukhozi FM breakfast show, Vuka Afrika Breakfast Show, on Wednesday, 8 May.

“After several tests, the doctors found that Zanele has lung cancer. That is what the doctors discovered,” Nkambule told the Ukhozi FM listeners.

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The bishop – who was accompanied by the isiZulu radio station’s business manager, Sbongi Ngcobo – thanked everyone for their prayers thus far and asked that they continue to pray for Mbokazi’s healing.

He further asked for privacy, on behalf of the Mbokazi and Nkambule families, and requested that listeners and supporters refrain from making speculations about his wife’s health. Mbokazi, who is the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, was hospitalised last week after losing her voice straight after her Sunday show. She hosts Ukhozi FM’s gospel morning show, Eshilo, every Sunday between 09:00 and 12:00.

On Sunday, 21 April, Mbokazi could not finish her show as she lost her breath and voice. Her colleague, Thokozani MaMkhize Ndlovu, had to fill in for her.

“Zanele has been unwell since Sunday, 21 April. She was unable to host her show, and MaMkhize Ndlovu filled in for her. She experienced severe pains but felt better by Friday, 26 April, and even attended an event in Pietermaritzburg. However, upon returning to work on Sunday, the illness struck again, but fortunately, she managed to complete her show despite the struggle,” said Mbokazi’s spokesperson, Nonjabulo Mdluli.

“Zanele is receiving treatment in the hospital and her condition is improving. We urge people to continue praying for her,” she added. While it was reported that she had the flu at first, Mbokazi opened up about her illness on Facebook last week.

“Wow! I fell so ill this morning. The truth is that I don’t have the flu. From last Sunday, I have been battling isbhobo [sharp cramps often on the upper body] and voicelessness.

“Today [Sunday] I came to work because I felt better, the cramps were gone and my voice was back, but it started all over again,” she wrote and asked for prayers. A few days later, she revealed to her Facebook followers that her surgery had gone well.

“Thank you to all the pastors, artists and friends who sent through prayers and flowers. Thank you as well to my Eshilo family for your prayers and messages of support on this page. My in-laws in Swaziland, thank you for the love. The theatre procedure went well. Now managing the pain,” she wrote.