Ukhozi FM’s Zanele Mbokazi gives update from hospital bed

Businesswoman and Ukhozi FM presenter Zanele Mbokazi has revealed that her surgery went well.

UKHOZI FM HOST ZANELE MBOKAZI ON HER PROCEDURE

Taking to her Facebook account, the Crown Gospel Music Awards founder – who hosts the IsiZulu radio station’s gospel show, Eshilo – thanked her friends, family, gospel artists and pastors for the prayers.

“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.

‘TRUTH IS, I DON’T HAVE FLU’

Last week, Mbokazi opened up about her illness after listeners heard that her voice sounded hoarse. At first it was said that she had 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.

ZANELE MBOKAZI’S SPOKESPERSON SPEAKS

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.

Mdluli further denied that there was any link between Mbokazi’s illness and that of her late Ukhozi FM colleague, Bheka “Beekay” Mchunu, who passed away in March this year.

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.