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UKhozi FM radio jock and Crown Gospel Music Awards founder and executive producer, Zanele Mbokazi, has been diagnosed with lung cancer.
Zanele's husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, and the station's business manager, Sbongi Ngcobo, announced the news on UKhozi FM's breakfast show, Vuka Mzansi on Wednesday.
Nkambule said the family decided to make the diagnosis known amid rife speculation on social media regarding Zanele's ill health, which has led to her absence from the airwaves.
Mbokazi hosts the station's popular gospel show, Eshilo, every Sunday from 09:00 to 12:00.
She returned to the station last year following the departure of S'bu Buthelezi in June 2022, whose contract was terminated for bringing the station into disrepute.
Nkambule said Zanele fell ill two weeks ago and on Monday, 29 April, was admitted to hospital after her condition worsened. Last Friday, she underwent a small operation after experiencing shortness of breath.
@ukhozifm UMphathi siteshi womsakazo Ukhozi FM uNksz Sbongi Ngcobo kanye noMbhishobhi uNkambule bazisa umlaleli ngesimo sika Zanele Mbokazi umsakazi woKhozi FM. #UkhoziFM #30YearsOfDemocracy ? original sound - Ukhozi FM Official
"During the operation, doctors discovered that Zanele has lung cancer, but through it all, we trust God," Nkambule said.
He said the diagnosis had left their children and family shattered and asked for the family's privacy to be respected.
"We are all still in shock – please continue praying for Zanele and afford the family privacy to deal with this difficult situation".
Taking to her social media, Zanele thanked her fans for the support, describing the diagnosis as the "toughest moment of my life".
