By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Friends, family, and industry colleagues gathered at the Protea South Multipurpose Hall to pay their last respects to veteran musician and actress Winnie Khumalo.
Known for her fierce spirit and unwavering truthfulness, Khumalo, who died on 7 January, touched the hearts of those she held dear and left a lasting impact on South Africa’s music landscape.
Khumalo’s memorial service painted a portrait of a deeply loved and respected woman. Her remarkable legacy as an artist, activist, and mother will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Family friend and Khumalo’s producer Chicco Twala, singer Khanyo Maphumulo, media personality Uyanda Mbuli, and DJ Zinhle were among the mourners who graced the funeral of Khumalo.
DJ Zinhle, who couldn’t hold back her tears, said: “Rethabile, our song says Uthando lwakho Ludala imilingi kushukum’sosha, and the same God will get us through.”
Maphumulo said she and Winnie used to call each other twins.
“She would call me at six in the morning and ask if I was asleep. We used to motivate each other and not compete like others do these days. My friend, I love you. We sang together as if we were born to the same mother because of how much we loved each other,” said Khanyo.
Socialite and businesswoman Uyanda Mbuli said she was once her neighbor.
“You gave us so much love, and your talent and charisma will stay with us. We will miss you, and we loved you,” she said.
Mayor of Joburg, Dada Morero, said Winnie never forsook her community.
“She dedicated her life to people through music and the arts. Her family must have realized her calling when she entered the music industry at 13 years old and never looked back,” he said.
Khumalo was nominated for Record of the Year at the South African Music Awards (SAMA), where she competed alongside artists such as DJ Oskido, Big Nuz, and Liquid Deep. In addition, Khumalo was selected to participate in the Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year competition and received recognition at the Museke Online Africa Music Awards.
Khumalo is survived by her son Ntando, her daughter Rethabile, who has followed in her footsteps as a singer, her three grandchildren, her mother, and three sisters.