Zanele was born in Soweto and raised in a Christian family who were all artists. She started singing in Church, Apostolic Faith Mission (Naledi) and then professionally in High School. After finishing school, Zanele worked with well known South African artists, such as Benjamin Dube, Mzwakhe Mbuli and sang with a group called Grace. Zanele is currently studying a correspondence course with UNISA for a Human Resource Management Diploma. She is young, energetic, driven and a devoted Christian who one day hopes to be a successful businesswoman.