Rethabile Khumalo, the daughter of the late singer Winnie Khumalo, said the family has not been supportive during difficult periods in the past.
Iconic South African singer, Winnie Khumalo, tragically lost her life after battling a short illness, aged 51.
“As a family at this stage, we are deeply saddened. She was sick and her daughter was out. It was her daughter that got back home to come and collect her so that she could be taken to the hospital. She tried to help her,” the family said following her death.
However, her daughter shared an old clip of her mother doing a podcast interview, claiming that the family is not supportive of each other during difficult times.
“Nowadays, ‘blood is thicker than water’ doesn’t work. Your family is now your number-one enemy most of the time. We used to think, when we were growing up when we still had parents, that blood is thicker than water or that family comes first. But today, if you fall, they celebrate,” she said on a podcast.
“You get sick, they don’t come [to see you], but when you die, they travel from KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape to bury you. Why didn’t they send you money or assist you while you’re still alive,” she said back in 2024.
Many people took the clip as a sign that the Khumalo family was not together during this difficult time and offered their support to Rethabile.
“Oh, Retha. I’m so sorry babe. Be strong and pray hard. UNkulunkulu ukhona, we’re also keeping you in our prayers, praying for your strength and better days. We love you,” @theomatshoba said.
“The truth. May the Good Lord give you the strength. He will never leave nor forsake you,” @letso_thato commented.
“Damn, sad truth. May her soul rest in peace,” @callher_mrs_molefi
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
First published by African Insider
