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The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
‘Ma, life hasn't been the same without you' — Winnie Khumalo's kids on what would've been her 52nd birthday
Khumalo died in January. Her children, Rethabile and Thando Khumalo, have honoured her in an open letter. Winnie Khumalo (L) and daughter Rethabile (R). The latter, together with her brother Thando, have remembered their mother. Picture: rethabile_rsa /Instagram On what would've been Winnie Khumalo's 52nd birthday, her two children have remembered her in an emotional letter. 'Each day carries your absence like a shadow. We miss your laughter, your fire, your fearless voice, and your ability to make everything feel possible even when the world felt heavy,' read the open letter by Khumalo's daughter Rethabile and son Thando Khumalo. Khumalo died in January this year en route to the hospital after being unwell and visiting the hospital in December. Her passing sent shockwaves throughout the country, with fellow entertainers and even politicians paying tribute to her. Khumalo's birthday was on Sunday. ALSO READ: Winnie Khumalo's daughter shares awkward interview of her mother bemoaning family members [VIDEO] Winnie Khumalo: 'An anchor' Grieving an immediate family member is not easy, especially if that person is a parent whom you were close to. Rethabile and Thando described their mother as an anchor whose loss has left a glaring hole. 'Since your passing, we've had to navigate this world with a kind of strength that we inherited from you. It's been a journey filled with challenges and triumphs — moments where we wanted to call you just to hear your advice or your encouragement,' the siblings wrote. 'You were our anchor, and your loss has left a space that no one else can fill.' Unlike her brother Thando, Rethabile is an artist in the public eye and says she has had to navigate the industry on her own since the death of her mother, a seasoned performer. 'I have stepped deeper into my artistry. Juggling the weight of grief, growth, and expectations from the industry. Professionally, pushing harder than ever — writing, performing, and building on a legacy not just for myself, but in honour of you,' said the singer. Khumalo herself came into the industry at a young age. She released her first solo album called Hey Laitie, which Sello 'Chicco' Twala produced when Khumalo was only 15. Shortly after Khumalo's death, The Citizen spoke to DJ Cleo about her stature in the industry. 'I see some stupid people on social media saying 'rest in peace one-hit wonder' and I just look at them and think to myself that these people just arrived and don't know much.' Cleo, who is 45 years old, said he used to listen to Khumalo when he was as young as 13. 'We were raised on her music. You see Tyla, who is adored by young people today; Winnie was that for us with her first hit song, Hey Laitie.' ALSO READ: 'You see Tyla, Winnie Khumalo was that for us growing up' – DJ Cleo reflects on singer's passing [VIDEO] Tight sibling bond Rethabile said she has had to mature quickly and carry Khumalo's spirit into many rooms, studios, and stages. 'Personally, it hasn't been easy. Some days are heavy. Some nights are long. But the resolve is unshakeable, because you taught me what it means to rise, even with broken wings,' she said. The more reserved Thando has taken on more than he imagined, learning daily how to channel his mother's nurturing power. 'Thando continues to hold the family with grace, becoming the quiet strength that keeps everything together.' Bickering and fighting are what tear apart some siblings after the demise of a parent; however, Khumalo's passing has made the pair's bond even tighter. 'The bond we share as ingane zakho [your children] is stronger than ever — because you taught us that unity is our superpower,' the letter read. 'Ma, your name echoes in every song, in every room, in every headline that still reminds the world of your talent and resilience. You weren't just a legend in the music industry — you were a force in our lives. And we promise, your legacy will never fade.' NOW READ: Benni McCarthy in the family area: Meet the football legend's beautiful 'birthday girls' [PICS]
IOL News
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Burgers with a side of love: Rethabile Khumalo launches a mobile kitchen in memory of her mother
Rethabile Khumalo has realized a long-held ambition, one she previously envisioned with her late mother, Winnie Khumalo, by launching her inaugural mobile kitchen. Image: Instagram Singer and entrepreneur Rethabile Khumalo has opened her very first mobile kitchen. Born from a dream once shared with her late mother, legendary singer Winnie Khumalo, this is a project close to her heart. During the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, Rethabile and Winnie had plans to start a food truck together, with a focus on burgers. But just as they were preparing to launch, tragedy struck. Winnie sadly passed away suddenly after a short illness, shattering not only the family's world but also their business hopes. Rethabile, however, refused to let the dream die with her mother. In honour of Winnie's memory, Rethabile pushed forward with the idea and launched her burger kitchen on her own. "We bought a food truck and we wanted to sell burgers,' she explained. 'I wanted to carry on with her wishes to open the kitchen because she always believed in my cooking and most of the things I would do," she told reporters. The mobile kitchen, which now serves up juicy burgers with a side of love, has quickly gained popularity. Rethabile keeps things fast and efficient, making sure orders are never delayed. 'I am selling a lot. I am working alone, but I believe I will get people to assist me. It gets hectic. I always make sure I push as much as I can.' Despite the intensity, she beams with pride at how far she's come. The kitchen caters to meat lovers and vegetarians, although she admits there isn't much demand for the veggie burger option in the township. 'I make sure I accommodate everybody because it's not only about kasi (township). There are people who come from far to buy my burgers, and I appreciate them.' For Rethabile, it's also about inspiring young women from the townships who have big dreams beyond music. 'I want it to expand. I want to have branches at kasi malls to show a kasi girl like me, who is a singer, can do more,' she said. Her motivation remains rooted in her mother's legacy. 'I want to make my mom proud. I am willing to do anything to make my mom proud because I am the woman I am today because of her.'
TimesLIVE
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘I want to make mom proud': Rethabile Khumalo launches mobile kitchen
Singer Rethabile Khumalo has launched her first mobile kitchen. For Rethabile this is more than a business venture, it's a way to honour her late mother, singer Winnie Khumalo, who passed away on January 7. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rethabile and her mother wanted to start a food truck, but life had other plans for them. Rethabile decided to fulfil her mother's wishes and launch the kitchen specialising in burgers. It has been making waves in the community. 'My mom and I bought a food truck and we wanted to sell burgers. We realised we could handle it on our own and when we were supposed to launch it, my mother passed away. I wanted to carry on with her wishes to open the kitchen because she always believed in my cooking and most of the things I would do,' she told TshisaLIVE. Since launching the mobile kitchen at 17673/8 Protea Glen Ext 9 in Cheesehood Avenue nearly a week ago, Rethabile has sold 100 burgers, with customers raving about the taste and quality. She also caters to vegetarians, offering a veggie burger option, though she said demand is relatively low in the township. Despite the challenges of running a solo operation, Rethabile is determined to make her business work. She ensures orders are fulfilled quickly. 'I am selling a lot. I am working alone but I believe I will get people to assist me. It gets hectic. I always make sure I push as much as I can. I don't like to keep people waiting, so I make sure when I open the burgers are half done so when they arrive to buy I put them back on the stove.' 'I make sure I accommodate for everybody because it's not only about kasi. There are people who come from far to buy my burgers and I appreciate them.' Rethabile has big plans for her kitchen and hopes to become a voice of change and hope for people who come from the same background. 'I want it to expand. I want to have branches at kasi malls to show a girl like me from kasi who is a singer can do more. I want to make my mom proud. I am willing to do anything to make my mom proud because I am the woman I am today because of her.'
