Manaka Ranaka Opens Up About Grieving the Loss of Her Daughter

South African actress Manaka Ranaka has spoken openly about the pain of losing her daughter, Katlego, and how the loss has completely changed her life.

The Generations: The Legacy star appeared on Engineer Your Life on 19 September 2025, where she revealed how she is dealing with grief. Manaka explained that facing reality has been her way of coping:

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“Being a realist has helped me with my grief. You can’t bring the dead back, you just have to learn to live without them.”

During the emotional interview, Manaka struggled to hold back her tears. Speaking about her daughter, she admitted that the pain feels overwhelming, especially because her family cannot fully relate to what she is going through.

“It’s sad to know and realise that you’re not going to see them again, that’s the saddest part but we need to rejoice it in some way or another. My mom does not know what it feels like to go through what I’m going through because she’s never lost a child. My siblings don’t know what my kids are going through; they’ve never lost a sibling. These are uncharted territories, I have no idea what the hell I’m doing, but I’m doing it.”

Katlego, who was also a mother, tragically passed away at the young age of 24 on 23 January 2025.

Fans and social media users shared messages of comfort with the actress. One user, @nikita_worldwide, wrote:

“Healing from grief has no linear timeline. Bend time to your own rhythm. It’s also a sacred place to be, integrating into new ways of forging this relationship into a different dimension. I’m holding space for you, luminous one @manakaranaka.”

This is not the first time Manaka has expressed her heartbreak. Just last month, she took to Instagram to pour out her emotions, admitting that some days are harder than others. She shared that although mornings are especially difficult, she pushes herself to be strong for her other children, Lele, Seni, and Mpho.

“Umtanami ulele (my child is resting). I wish I could say it’s getting easier but I can’t, not yet. My mornings are the toughest. Most times it’s hard to get up and face the world! But for Lele, Seni and Mpho I kick those blankets!!! I make sure I get up for them and myself. Rest Eazy MyBigGirl.”

Her honesty shows that while healing may not be quick, love and strength for those still here can keep one going.