“We Miss You, Ma”: Rethabile and Thando Khumalo Honour Late Mom Winnie Khumalo on Her Birthday

On what would have been legendary singer Winnie Khumalo’s 52nd birthday, her two children, Rethabile and Thando Khumalo, shared a powerful and emotional tribute to their late mother.

Rethabile Khumalo, who is also a singer, posted an open letter on social media to remember and honour her mom. In the heartfelt message, she spoke not only for herself but also on behalf of her brother Thando. The letter was filled with love, pain, strength, and deep admiration for the woman they lost too soon.

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A post shared by Rethabile Khumalo (@rethabile_rsa)

“As we approach what would have been your birthday, we find ourselves consumed by both memory and emotion,” Rethabile wrote. “This letter is not just an expression of our love and longing, but a public celebration of the woman you were,  an icon, mother, best friend, business manager, protector, and the soul of our family.”

She described how life hasn’t been the same without Winnie, and how every day feels different without her mother’s voice, laughter, and strength.

“Ma, life hasn’t been the same without you… 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,” she said. “You were our anchor, and your loss has left a space that no one else can fill.”

Since Winnie’s passing, Rethabile said she’s been working even harder in her music career, not  just for herself, but to honour her mother’s legacy.

“As your baby girl, I have stepped deeper into my artistry… writing, performing, and building on a legacy not just for myself, but in honour of you,” she said. “Some days are heavy. Some nights are long. But the resolve is unshakable, because you taught me what it means to rise, even with broken wings.”

Rethabile also praised her brother Thando for being the quiet strength in the family, helping to hold everything together in their mom’s absence.

“Thando continues to hold the family with grace, becoming the quiet strength that keeps everything together. The bond we share as ingane zakho is stronger than ever, because you taught us that unity is our superpower.”

She ended the letter with a moving promise to continue carrying her mother’s legacy,  through music, strength, and love.

“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… We miss you, Ma. We love you DEEPLY. And we will make you PROUD, every day.”