Winnie Khumalo laid to rest at Westpark Cemetery

The late veteran musician and actress Winnie Khumalo was honoured with a heartfelt farewell at Heroes Acre, Westpark Cemetery, on January 18.

The funeral service was held at Protea South, Multipurpose Hall. It was a celebration of her life and legacy.

Friends, family and fans gathered at the hall to pay their last respects to the beloved entertainer. The 51-year-old musician died on January 7 following a short illness.

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Among those present were notable individuals from various fields, including, Minister of Sports Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, Joburg Mayor Dada Morero, veteran producer, Chicco Twala, DJ Zinhle, Oskido, Thembi Seete, Nokwazi Dlamini, Kholeka Sosibo, Xolly Mncwango and Thobela Dlamini.

Speaking at the service, the aunt of the late musician, Joyce Khumalo described her as a person who was always laughing and who enjoyed listening to music.

“We are grateful for the opportunity we had to raise Winnie and see her grow into the person she was.

“Winnie loved singing, whenever she was done cleaning in her grandfather’s home in Mofolo she would put on some music and sing.

“She had many favourite songs. Winnie was just a happy individual, who was always laughing,” she said.

At the funeral service, Rethabile Khumalo the daughter of the late musician dedicated a song to her late mother as a tribute.

Music producer Sello Chicco Twala said amongst the musicians he had written and produced songs for he will forever cherish Winnie Khumalo, Brenda Fassie and Deborah Fraser.

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“We all know the significant contribution that was made by these three women, in our sector; the music industry didn’t do any justice to recognize these musicians when they were still alive.

They were only recognised when they were dead. Winnie needed medical aid, our sector generates annually more than eight billion but 90% of the money we generate goes to our employees who administer our money, they have medical aids, and benefits but what we have is only burial aid, Winnie didn’t deserve to die the way she did, she suffered I saw her two days before she passed on and what I saw was not okay,” said Chicco.

Chicco further stated that the likes of Winnie and many of the late musicians who instrumented billions in the musical industry deserve better and he wants the government to do something about that.

He went on and shared that his organisation will settle Khumalo’s house bond this year as a tribute to the late singer and actress.

McKenzie said artists have been failed by the government.

“Artists in this country are not being seen as workers, so I came here for two reasons I came here to apologise because I’m part of the people who failed the artists and I’m going to be part of the people that bring the solutions and fix what we have done wrong so to every artist I send my deepest and sincerest apology because artists are being treated like nothing in this country,” said McKenzie.