Celeb Twitter Round-Up: Winnie Khumalo, 51, Passes Away
Mzansi’s music industry has begun the new year on a low note following the unexpected and tragic passing of beloved singer, Winnie Khumalo, at the age of 51.
On Tuesday, 7 January, Kalawa Jazmee Records – the label to which Khumalo was signed for most of her career until her departure in 2014 – released the following statement on social media, in which they confirmed the “Live My Life” hitmakers’s death that same day:
Khumalo’s death was also confirmed by Tshephi Rakeepile, a family spokesperson, in a subsequent interview with a local media outlet:
“We are deeply saddened as a family to announce the death of our dearly beloved sister, a mother, our friend; she passed away after a short illness, and as a family at this stage, we are deeply saddened.”
According to Rakeepile, Khumalo suddenly took ill at her home in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Rethabile Khumalo – Khumalo’s daughter and fellow songstress – drove her mother to a local hospital. Sadly, she passed away during the journey and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The exact nature of the illness has yet to be disclosed.
Khumalo is survived by her daughter, as well as her son Ntando, her three grandchildren and her mother.
Over on Twitter/X, fans were devastated about the “Loluthando” singer’s death:
Many tweeps expressed their sorrow for Rethabile, remembering how her mother rallied to her aid after she fell ill following a poisoning scare last June:
The rest extended their condolences to Khumalo’s family and friends during this time of grieving:
Rest in peace and power, Winnie Khumalo!
Image Credit: Source
