A cloud of discontent hangs over the funeral of late Ukhozi FM radio presenter Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, with KZN gospel artists who donated a cow to the family expressing their disappointment at being left hungry and sidelined during the event.
Mbokazi-Nkambule, who passed away last week after a battle with stage 4 cancer, was laid to rest at a provincial funeral held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban last Saturday.
A group of gospel artists, including Jumbo, Ayanda Ntanzi, Dumi Mkokstad, Andile kaMajola, Dj Tira, Ga Ndlela, Thobekile, Sipho Makhabane, Ihhashi Elimhlophe, Ebony Ngcobo, Lindelani Mkhize, Dudu Khoza, Timothy Myeni and Zulu Pavarotti, Dj Happigal, had contributed a cow to the family, a gesture of support and respect for the beloved broadcaster.
The cow was delivered to her husband, Bishop Mpendulo Nkambule, during the memorial service on Thursday.
However, the artists' generosity was met with a bitter taste of neglect during the funeral itself. They were reportedly denied access to the food queue, with the caterers allegedly instructed to prioritize the family and government officials.
"She left without tasting food from the funeral, this is unacceptable. We are not saying we should have been given food because we donated the cow but its only humane to offer mourners food," one gospel artist said while referring to legendary singer Dr Rebecca Malope, who was also reportedly refused food.
The artists expressed their frustration, feeling that they were treated as second-class mourners.
"They could have just let us queue with the family if they respected us," another artist said.
The sense of injustice was further amplified by the fact that many of the artists had been actively involved in assisting the family from Thursday up to the day of the funeral.
"We need to know what happened to the cow that we donated to Nkambule's. They should have slaughtered it to make sure that it covers all the people who came to pay their last respect. Some artists were not even afforded water to drink, imagine," said another artist who highlighted the lack of basic hospitality extended to those who had shown their support.
The source revealed that the family had made a decision to restrict food access at the ICC, opting to keep the prepared meals at a location in La Mercy, a considerable distance from the venue.
"The family decided that there won't be feeding anyone at the ICC. The food that was prepared was kept in La Mercy and it is a distance from the ICC," the source said.
The situation raises questions about the handling of the funeral arrangements and the perceived lack of respect for the contributions made by the artists.
Mirror PR Spokesperson Nonjabulo Mdluli had not responded by the time of publishing.
