Recently, the Ranakas bid farewell to their daughter, Katlego who passed on on the 23rd of January.
Katlego is the daughter of the South African actress Manaka Ranaka who is popular known for her roles in soapies like Rhythm City and Isidingo. She is currently seen on Generations The Legacy where she portrays Lucy Diale.
Talking to News24, Katlego’s aunt Nompumelelo Manaka revealed that her 24-year-old niece died because of natural causes leaving behind her four-year-old son Mpho.
The animal production student at Ekurhuleni Agricultural College. Her classmates described her as an animal lover who was meant to complete her diploma on the 31st of January.
While the college shared that she was an active participating student who was a member of the school’s representative committee and was seen as a natural-born leader.
During Katlego’s memorial service, singer, Yvonne Chaka Chaka spoke to the family giving a heartfelt tribute. She mentioned that they should hold each other’s hands during the trying time, they should love on another because Katlego was a lover who loved dearly.
Mam’ Yvonne Chaka Chaka speaking at Katlego Ranaka’s memorial service. It is currently underway at the San Salvador Catholic Church in Leondale. #ripkatlegoranaka @dailysunsa @DailysunCelebs pic.twitter.com/pjBr8FgBOX
— Andiswa (@NgenyaneAndiswa) January 30, 2025
Social media users wrote heartfelt tributes to Manaka who is evidently hurt and not taking her daughter’s death well. Sharing messages of condolences, one user said they were scared for Manaka and Naledi [Katlego’s little sister] because Katlego was overprotective of her baby sister.”
Another one said: “No parent should ever have to bury their child. My heart goes out to you, Mommy.”
