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.