By Celani Sikhakhane
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli is determined to bring the Crown Gospel Music Awards back to KwaZulu-Natal.
The event was moved to Gauteng by its late founder, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, under a five-year contract.
Ntuli made this announcement at the funeral of Mbokazi-Nkambule, held at the Durban ICC on Saturday.
Ntuli explained that returning the awards is part of his plan to help KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism recover from the damage caused by Covid-19, the unrest, and floods. He believes that the event could bring in millions of rands and fill local hotels with visitors.
“LaMbokazi passed when the 7th Administration I lead is busy with plans to revive the tourism economy, which was affected by Covid-19, unrest, and floods. I do not doubt that the Crown Gospel Music Awards will be part of plans to revive the KwaZulu-Natal economy and tourism. If they are held in other provinces, we say they must be brought back to ours. They must be brought back to where the founder lies, KwaZulu-Natal,” Ntuli said.
Mbokazi-Nkambule is affectionately known as “LaMbokazi”.
The funeral was a grand event, with many mourners dressed in white, LaMbokazi-Nkambule’s favorite colour. When the coffin entered the ICC through AB Xuma Street, it was an emotional moment for everyone.
Veteran musician Jabu Hlongwane talked about how the Crown Gospel Music Awards fulfilled a dream for African musicians, giving them their own version of the Grammys.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi also shared a story about their time as students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting LaMbokazi-Nkambule’s classy nature.
Pictured Above: KZN Premier Thami Ntuli handing over the South African flag to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule’s husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, at Mariannhill Cemetery on Saturday.
Source: Gcina Ndwalane/Premier’s Office.
