Veteran media personality and Ukhozi FM radio presenter Zanele Mbokazi is recovering following a health scare after falling ill just minutes of concluding her radio show on Sunday. Fondly known as “Mazetzet” by her adoring fans, the much-loved presenter had just finished her show when she suddenly fell ill.
It wasn’t immediately clear as to what could have resulted in Mbokazi’s sudden health scare. However, according to insiders in the KZN-based SABC owned station, she complained of chest pains and struggling to breath.
Paramedics called in
“She had just finished her show when paramedics were called to intervene because she was struggling to breathe. It was a serious thing,” explained one insider who didn’t want to be named.
Sunday World understands that it is not the first time that the experienced broadcaster had reported health complications while on duty. A week prior to the recent incident, she had to be taken off air. This after she lost her breath in the middle of a show. Mbokazi presents Eshilo, a praise and worship show every Sunday between 9am-12 pm. The show replaced Indumiso, another gospel show which was presented by the troubled ex-presenter Sbu Buthelezi.
Nonjabulo Mdluli, of the mirror group, spoke on behalf of the presenter. She told Sunday World on Thursday that she was now “out of the woods”.
“She is recovering slowly and under the doctor’s is observations. We don’t know when she will be back on air. Our main focus is on her getting better and out of hospital,” Mdluli explained.
She further acknowledged the prayers and message of well wishes that have been pouring in since Mbokazi’s admission to hospital.
Mbokazi joined Ukhozi FM in 1995 before exiting the station to explore other avenues. She went non to organise gospel gigs, notably the Crown Gospel Show. She made a comeback to the number one-ranked radio station in Africa after 20 years.
Fellow presenters fear ‘foul play’
The latest episode has apparently struck fear among other presenters, who suspect foul play.
“These incidents are happening quite frequently where presenters would suddenly collapse or lose their voice while on air. It’s terrifying and I cannot rule out the use of umuthi. Ubuthakathi lokhu (this is witchcraft),” said one source.
The late Ukhozi FM presenter Bheka “Bheekay” Mchunu suffered from the same unknown illness whenever he was on air. He subsequently lost his life after being admitted to hospital following his collapse during his show.
