By: Natasha Archary

The 17th Crown Gospel Awards will go ahead as planned, despite the passing of founder Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule on 12 August.
As reported by TshisaLive, the nominations for coveted awards have officially opened and the awards ceremony will take place later this year.
Speaking to the publication, Creative Director and Head Choreographer of the Crown Gospel Awards, Siyanda Mwandla said the show must go on.
“Yes, the 17th Crown Gospel Awards will be hosted this year and nominations are open. We also have nominations from beyond our borders. The show must go on and we are doing that.
Everything is going accordingly, we aren’t postponing the award ceremony and we urge people not to listen to gossip.”
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule passed away following her battle with lung cancer.
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule was diagnosed with lung cancer in April after she fell sick whilst on her radio show.
Following a procedure due to Zanele experiencing shortness of breath, doctors confirmed her lung cancer diagnosis.
A prayer service was held for Zanele’s recovery in June after her family shared that her cancer was spreading rapidly.
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