Veteran musician and actress Winnie Khumalo’s life was celebrated at a memorial service at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 15 January.

Government officials, A-list celebrities, friends, family and fans gathered at the Market Theatre to celebrate her life.

 
The 51-year-old music icon died on Tuesday, 7 January, after a short illness. Her death was confirmed by her family.

During the memorial service, African National Congress (ANC) veteran Jeff Radebe recounted a memorable experience with Khumalo, describing her spirit and ambition.

“I met Winnie Khumalo when we had to drive all the way to Nkandla to meet the former president Zuma at his home in December 2008 to make him listen to her demo tape,” he reminisced. “I told her she not only had to wear the ANC colours but also a mini skirt, shorter than that of Chommie, “he said, showcasing her vibrant personality.

Veteran Producer Sello “Chicco” Twala, known for his close ties with Khumalo, also shared his fond memories. Reflecting on their relationship, he acknowledged that despite numerous fights over the years, Khumalo was always eager to move on and continue her musical journey.

“I was with Winnie just two days before she passed on. There were no signs of sickness. She was her usual bubbly self and she was laughing when I visited her, “Twala recalled.

“That’s why they say, death is a thief. For me, she was more than a sister; we had known each other since she was just 14,” illustrating the depth of their friendship.

Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, another prominent figure in the industry, praised Khumalo’s unparalleled talent and dedication in the studio: “Winnie was nothing but exceptional. More than anything, she was a talented musician and over-delivered when we were recording.”

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo said Winnie has entered heaven.

“People don’t know that she never touched a drop of alcohol, but when we were together, you wouldn’t tell. That’s how cheerful she was. She didn’t need alcohol, drugs and all those things,” he said.

Her daughter Rethabile and son, Thando, also gave touching tributes to their mum by singing a hymn they used to sing with her at home.

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.

She will be laid to rest on Saturday at the Wespark Cemetery.

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.

A memorial service is being held on Wednesday at the Market Theatre in Johannesburg for Winnie Khumalo, the singer and actress who died aged 51 on January 7.

Industry colleagues, friends and fans are set to celebrate her life.

The late star will be laid to rest on Saturday.Fans, relatives and industry colleagues have gathered to celebrate the life of Winnie Khumalo at a memorial service at the Johannesburg Theatre.

 

 

 

 

 

 
The 51-year-old music icon, who was well known for her famous song Live My Life, died on Tuesday, 7 January following a brief illness.Veteran musician and actress Winnie Khumalo’s life was celebrated at a memorial service at the Market Theatre, Johannesburg on Wednesday, 15 January.

Government officials, A-list celebrities, friends, family and fans gathered at the Market Theatre to celebrate her life.

The 51-year-old music icon died on Tuesday, 7 January, after a short illness. Her death was confirmed by her family.

During the memorial service, African National Congress (ANC) veteran Jeff Radebe recounted a memorable experience with Khumalo, describing her spirit and ambition.

“I met Winnie Khumalo when we had to drive all the way to Nkandla to meet the former president Zuma at his home in December 2008 to make him listen to her demo tape,” he reminisced. “I told her she not only had to wear the ANC colours but also a mini skirt, shorter than that of Chommie, “he said, showcasing her vibrant personality.

Veteran Producer Sello “Chicco” Twala, known for his close ties with Khumalo, also shared his fond memories. Reflecting on their relationship, he acknowledged that despite numerous fights over the years, Khumalo was always eager to move on and continue her musical journey.

“I was with Winnie just two days before she passed on. There were no signs of sickness. She was her usual bubbly self and she was laughing when I visited her, “Twala recalled.

“That’s why they say, death is a thief. For me, she was more than a sister; we had known each other since she was just 14,” illustrating the depth of their friendship.

Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, another prominent figure in the industry, praised Khumalo’s unparalleled talent and dedication in the studio: “Winnie was nothing but exceptional. More than anything, she was a talented musician and over-delivered when we were recording.”

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo said Winnie has entered heaven.

“People don’t know that she never touched a drop of alcohol, but when we were together, you wouldn’t tell. That’s how cheerful she was. She didn’t need alcohol, drugs and all those things,” he said.

Her daughter Rethabile and son, Thando, also gave touching tributes to their mum by singing a hymn they used to sing with her at home.

Winnie Khumalo”s Memorial Service. May Her Soul Rest In Eternal Peace🕊️🕊️#RIP- Gone but not Forgotten, our Heroine ♥️♥️Friends, family, and industry colleagues gathered at the Market Theatre on Wednesday to honour the life of veteran musician and actor 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.

Media personality Somizi Mhlongo spoke fondly of Khumalo, celebrating her vibrant personality.

“Can we celebrate her new chapter? She was always bubbly, warm, and energetic,” he said.

Somizi also shared a poignant reflection on the unique pain of losing a mother, emphasising the deep emotional bonds they share with their children.

“What people never warn us about is the impact of losing a mother. That part angers me how much it hurts to lose a mother. I don’t like to compare, but there’s a difference between losing a mother and losing a father. And it’s because there’s an attachment of an umbilical cord. Mothers are multitaskers. They can do anything and [be] everything that you want them to be, and that’s what is difficult,” he said.

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Radebe, former minister, recounted a memorable experience with Khumalo, highlighting her ambition and support for the ANC. He shared a vivid memory of driving to Nkandla in 2008 to play her demo tape for former president Jacob Zuma, capturing Khumalo’s determination and lively spirit.

“Winnie made a great contribution, not only to the people of our land who love her beautiful music but also to the ANC when we needed her the most during the critical period of 2008 and 2009. May her soul rest in peace.”evered music producer Chicco Twala reflected on their long-standing friendship, acknowledging the occasional disagreements that never overshadowed their deep bond.

“I was with Winnie just two days before she passed on,” Twala said, recalling their laughter-filled visit and lamenting her sudden departure.

DJ Cleo and Oskido praised Khumalo’s exceptional talent and dedication to her craft, lauding her ability to exceed expectations during recordings. They acknowledged her influential role in the music industry and expressed gratitude for her contributions.”Winnie was nothing but exceptional. More than anything, she was a talented musician and over-delivered when we were recording,” said Oskido

IMPRA CEO Dodo Monamodi conveyed his devastation at her passing, sharing Khumalo’s great love for her children. “Winnie was someone who loved her children. Every second line when we talked, even when we spoke officially about how we can move a catalogue together, she would never stop talking about Retha.”

Winnie 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.

Her funeral service will be held on Saturday at the Protea South Multipurpose Hall, with her final resting place at Westpark Cemetery.

Musawenkosi, a young maths prodigy from KwaThema’s Ext 3 in Ekurhuleni, is proving that determination knows no bounds. In 2023, the Zimisele Secondary School student defied the odds by winning the prestigious SAIPA Accounting and Maths Olympiad, outshining students from some of the country’s most affluent schools. Now, in 2024, he has soared to even greater heights, earning a place as Gauteng’s Top Matric Learner after scoring an impressive 1,721 marks in his final exams.Despite coming from humble beginnings, Musawenkosi’s journey has been one of resilience and ambition. In grade 11, he faced challenges that many might consider insurmountable, yet he triumphed, earning a sponsorship that provided him with the data to focus on his studies. This support helped him excel in his grade 12 year, securing top marks across all his subjects, including a remarkable 299/300 in Mathematics.

 

 

On January 14, 2024, Musawenkosi returned to a hero’s welcome in his community, where locals celebrated his success with singing, ululating, and jubilant street parades. He expressed his deep gratitude to his school and teachers, especially Sabelo Duze, his maths teacher at Zimisele Secondary. “I want to tell the children in my community that their background doesn’t define them. Dream big, and work hard,” he shared.

Musawenkosi’s achievement is not just about academics; his personal journey has inspired him to pursue a career in medicine. After struggling with frequent headaches, despite various medical visits, he has decided to study neuroscience, driven by the desire to find solutions not only for his own condition but for others worldwide. With his incredible academic track record and unwavering resolve, Musawenkosi’s future is as bright as his past accomplishments.

South African media personality Anele Mdoda recently shared an exciting milestone for her son, Alakhe, as he returned to school in style. The 947 radio host posted a picture on social media of Alakhe proudly wearing his school uniform, complete with a new blazer. The proud mother celebrated her son’s return to school, sharing the moment with her followers on Twitter (X).

 

 

 

 

Alakhe’s excitement was evident, and his new blazer seemed to symbolize more than just a uniform update—it marked a new chapter in his school life. Fans and netizens flooded the comment section, reacting to the heartwarming image with comments like, “Blazer Boys are UP!” as they admired his growing confidence and sense of style.

The moment also followed a fun and lighthearted appearance from the mother and son duo on an episode of Ready Steady Cook on S3, where they competed together on screen. The mother-son connection and Alakhe’s infectious enthusiasm made it a memorable return to school for both him and his proud mom.

Anele, known for her lively personality and deep bond with her son, shared this milestone as part of the everyday joys of motherhood, and it quickly captured the hearts of her followers. With a new year ahead, it’s clear that Alakhe is stepping into the school year with confidence and style—blazer and all.

Mama Joy Chauke, the passionate Royal AM FC superfan, has once again captured the attention of South Africa, but this time, it’s for all the wrong reasons. The beloved sports fanatic stirred up a storm on social media when she openly bragged about her physical assets and even hinted at her private bedroom matters.

 

The incident unfolded on X (formerly Twitter), when Mama Joy responded to a post that made a controversial statement about female anatomy. Without missing a beat, she turned the conversation in a bold direction, declaring that her own physical attributes were “the total opposite” of the negative comments. She even cheekily added, “Ask Papa Joy,” implying that her husband could verify the claims.

The remark quickly went viral, with social media users expressing shock, confusion, and, in some cases, outright disbelief. Many were left wondering whether Mama Joy, a fixture in the world of South African football, had overstepped the boundaries of appropriate public discourse. As the post spread across timelines, calls for Mama Joy to hire a social media manager began to pour in, with some arguing that her unfiltered approach might need some recalibration for the sake of her public image.

Mama Joy, who has long been a fan favourite for her exuberant support of Royal AM FC, has frequently used social media to engage with fans. However, this latest comment has left many questioning whether she has crossed a line.While Mama Joy has always been known for her larger-than-life personality, this latest outburst has sparked debate about what is appropriate for public figures to share on social media. As the controversy continues to unfold, South Africans are left wondering whether this is a case of TMI (Too Much Information) or simply another example of Mama Joy’s unapologetic authenticity.

As the situation continues to develop, one thing is clear: Mama Joy isn’t afraid to speak her mind, but whether this latest social media moment will have lasting implications remains to be seen.

Khanyi Mbau Gives Daughter Khanukani a Worldly Gift: A 13-Month Gap Year After Matric SuccessKhanyi Mbau has made headlines once again, this time for her thoughtful and unique way of rewarding her daughter, Khanukani, following her outstanding matric results. The media mogul’s daughter achieved an impressive average of 80% in her matric exams, a feat that has sparked both pride and debate.

 

 

 
In an inspiring move, Khanyi decided to give her daughter a rare opportunity—a 13-month gap year that promises to be life-changing. The gap year isn’t just about taking a break from academics; it’s an immersive journey designed to help Khanukani explore the world, experience diverse cultures, and discover her passions. According to MDN News, the trip will span several countries and offer a broad spectrum of experiences, providing Khanukani with the freedom to grow, learn, and reflect before making decisions about her future.

The decision has generated mixed reactions online, with some applauding Khanyi’s innovative approach to parenting, while others question whether such an extensive break is truly beneficial. However, many see it as a bold and progressive way to encourage personal growth beyond the classroom.

As one of South Africa’s most influential media personalities, Khanyi’s decision stands as a testament to her belief in nurturing her daughter’s potential beyond conventional educational pathways. With 2024’s matric results showcasing the remarkable achievements of South African students, Khanyi’s approach highlights the evolving landscape of parenting, where experiential learning is becoming just as important as academic success.For Khanukani, this gap year represents more than just a reward—it’s an opportunity to shape her own path and embark on a journey that could profoundly impact her future. As she takes on this exciting new chapter, it’s clear that Khanyi Mbau is setting an inspiring example of how parents can empower their children to pursue a well-rounded, enriched life.

Gospel singer Ayanda Shange is beaming with pride as his niece, Nandi Mchunu, successfully completed her matric at M.H. Joosub Technical Secondary School in Lenasia, Johannesburg. At just 18, Nandi achieved a Bachelor’s pass, marking the culmination of her hard work and dedication.

 

 
Although Nandi is Ayanda’s niece, her father passed away when she was young, and Ayanda stepped in to play a fatherly role. In an interview, Ayanda shared how deeply proud he was of Nandi’s perseverance through a challenging year. “I’m over the moon, especially knowing how hard she worked. We always reminded her that getting her matric was the first step to securing her future. I knew she would make it because we value hard work above all else,” Ayanda said.Nandi, reflecting on the journey, acknowledged the challenges she faced but expressed immense pride in overcoming them. “It was a tough year, but I’m grateful for the unwavering support of my family, especially my grandparents, aunts, and my mother. And of course, Bab’omncane (Ayanda Shange), who stepped in as a father figure when I lost mine at such a young age,” she said.

Looking ahead, Nandi has set her sights on a career in medicine. “I’ve always been passionate about health, and I aim to become a doctor, specifically a cardiologist. I’m excited for this new chapter and incredibly thankful to my family for their constant support and prayers,” she shared.

Ayanda, equally excited about Nandi’s future, assured that they would continue supporting her dreams. “She’s always wanted to be a doctor. We will stand by her every step of the way, so she can be the doctor of the family,” Ayanda said with a smile.

Nadia Nakai is stirring up social media, but not for the right reasons, after a video surfaced showing her getting too comfortable with Cassper Nyovest at a nightclub. The rapper, known for her hit “Never Leave,” was seen groping her former boss in front of his wife, Puleng. The incident has sparked outrage, with fans and followers questioning Nadia’s behavior.

 
In the video, Nadia, often seen as close friends with Cassper, can be seen being overly touchy with him, while Cassper appeared visibly uncomfortable. Puleng, his wife, was standing beside them, witnessing the awkward interaction. While many know that Nadia and Cassper share a professional and personal bond, fans feel this crossed a line.

Mzansi did not hold back in reacting to the video. “She knew exactly what she was doing,” one viewer commented, while others warned Nadia she might be setting herself up for trouble by touching someone else’s husband in such a public, intimate manner. The backlash was swift, with many calling her actions disrespectful regardless of her relationship with Cassper.

The Zondo family in Isiphetho – Destiny is once again caught in a web of intense emotions and turmoil. Blondie, who recently decided to divorce her husband, Justice, is now grappling with his death, which comes at the hands of her sister, Connie. Justice, a well-respected policeman, had previously caused Connie significant harm, leading her to seek retribution. In a tragic turn of events, Connie’s actions have left the family reeling, and her quest for justice continues as she targets other family members, including Blondie, Zanemvula, Zwelakhe, and her fiancé Bheki. Connie’s pursuit of resolution, however, risks leaving her isolated and estranged from those around her.Blondie, now facing the loss of her husband, is caught in a cultural conflict with Justice’s mother, Koko Mashadi. Koko insists that Justice should be buried in Limpopo, believing he was not well-regarded by the Zondo family. Blondie, on the other hand, has chosen not to follow the traditional mourning customs, which has led to tension within the family. As the Zondos move forward with plans to lay Justice to rest, they remain unaware of the deeper struggles Connie is facing, which only adds to the family’s emotional challenges.

 

 

In Skeem Saam, Lehasa finds himself in a precarious situation in prison. After a threat is made against him by Bra Sikes, Lehasa’s life continues to hang in the balance. Despite an attempt to harm him, Lehasa survives, but the danger he faces behind bars is far from over. His fight for survival in the harsh prison environment continues as he navigates the threats to his safety.

Back in Turfloop, Mapitsi is burdened with guilt following a work trip to Cape Town with DJ Thomas. Tbose becomes increasingly concerned as Mapitsi withdraws emotionally, and her behavior begins to raise questions. The unresolved mystery of what happened on that trip looms large, with Mapitsi struggling to come to terms with her own emotions. As the tension between her and Tbose grows, the future of their relationship is left uncertain.