Close Friend: “Winnie Khumalo’s Son Thando Had Been the One Who Was Unwell”

• A friend of Winnie Khumalo says she was shocked when her family announced her death on Tuesday
• The insider also reveals that the late singer's son Thando Khumalo was actually the one who was sick
• Winnie Khumalo's son Thando is the son of late boxing champion Dingaan Thobela who died in 2024

Winnie Khumalo's friends and family reveal that they are devastated by the singer's sudden passing.

The singer's death comes after her daughter, Rethabile Khumalo was hospitalised in 2024 after being poisoned by a friend.

A close friend of the late singer revealed to Sowetan on Tuesday, 7 January, that her son Thando Khumalo was actually the one who was not well.

The friend also reveals that when she received a call from Winnie's daughter, Rethabile, she didn't expect the call to be about her musician friend.

“In fact, her son had been the one who was unwell. So when Rethabile called, I thought she was letting me know about her brother. But instead, it was about their mother," adds the friend.

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The friend adds that she also spoke to the singer last week to find out about her son's illness.

The late afro-pop singer shared a photo of her son Thando Khumalo on her Instagram in April 2022 to wish him a happy birthday.

"Wow, what a busy mom! I almost forgot my son's birthday. Please help me wish him a wonderful birthday #happy zalwa day @ttkhumal0," she wrote.

Who is Thando Khumalo?

According to media reports Winnie Khumalo has a son with the late boxing champion Dingaan Thobela. It was reported in 2024 that Khumalo's son, Thando Khumalo was among the boxer's children.

The 33-year-old also lost his father Dingaan Thobela in 29 April 2024, at the age of 57.

Not much is known about Thando as he's not active on social media.

What you need to know about Winnie Khumalo

Winnie Khumalo, born on 20 July 1973 in Soweto, was a pioneering South African singer whose career began at the tender age of 13 in the 1980s. Raised by her grandmother and educated at Mncube Senior Secondary School, Khumalo made her musical debut with her first album, Hey Laaitie, at just 15 years old. She became a prominent figure on South African television and worked with some of the country's most influential artists, including Brenda Fassie, Sello Chicco Twala, and DJ Cleo.

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Khumalo's contributions to music were matched by her acting roles, including appearances in the popular SABC television series Muvhango and Mponeng. Beyond her professional achievements, Khumalo was a dedicated mother, having two children, including Rethabile Khumalo, who followed in her footsteps to become a celebrated singer.

Winnie Khumalo's daughter reacts to her death

In more entertainment news, Briefly News recently reported that Winnie Khumalo's daughter, Rethabile opened up about the tragic passing of her mother.

The Live My Life hitmaker lost her life on Tuesday, 7 January 2025 after a brief illness, after spending some time in the hospital.

Source: Briefly News