Ukhozi FM presenter Zanele Mbokazi has opened up about her illness and asked her fans to pray for her.The Crown Gospel Music Awards founder – who hosts the IsiZulu radio station’s gospel show, Eshilo – had to be immediately rushed to the hospital on Sunday, 28 April, after her show which airs from 09:00 to 12:00.
According to her Facebook post that day, Mbokazi opened up about her illness after listeners heard that her voice sounded hoarse. At first, it was said that she has the flu, but she disputed that.“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.
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.
Some fans have likened Mbokazi’s illness to that of her late Ukhozi FM colleague, Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu, who passed away in March this year. However, Mdluli denied that there is a link.Before his passing, Mchunu had been dealing with an undisclosed illness for many years. In 2021, he had to be pulled off air after he collapsed during a show. Thereafter, he spent weeks in hospital.
In 2022, ZiMoja reported that he again fell ill whilst in studio and could not complete his show as he lost his voice and could not breathe.
At the time, Mchunu told the publication that he was looking for the best traditional healers to help him as doctors had been unsuccessful.
“I think it is no longer just a normal illness but I’m recovering well at my place here in Durban. My brother is trying everything to get me the best traditional healer to deal with this directly. I have tried many doctors and they don’t see anything wrong.”