Johannesburg- Celebrated Afropop musician and actress Winnie Khumalo has died.

She was 51.

Khumalo passed away this morning at her home after a short illness.

Her family has, however, requested privacy during this difficult time.

In November 2024, Khumalo was hospitalised briefly in Johannesburg after experiencing shortness of breath, which led to her diagnosis of asthma—a condition she had been unaware of until then.

Reflecting on the discovery, she told journalists:

“I didn’t know that I had asthma until I had shortness of breath. I was so confused. I’ve never heard of anyone being diagnosed with asthma at this age. But the doctors said it’s still in the early stages. They said I need to manage it well and just take care of myself.”

Despite this, and her previous diagnosis with diabetes, Khumalo had successfully managed her health challenges over the years. 

In 2017, she faced another major hurdle, becoming temporarily wheelchair-bound after a back operation and the development of an abscess. 

Yet, she remained resilient, expressing hope and determination to overcome the setback.

Khumalo’s illustrious career began at the age of 15 with her debut album Hey Laitie, Tshina Tshina, produced by Sello Chicco Twala.

This was followed by her 1980s album Dlamini.

She ventured into gospel music in the 1990s with the album Izono Zami, produced by Pastor Langa Dube.

A Soweto native, Khumalo gained early fame as a backing vocalist for the legendary Brenda Fassie—a role she cherished as a highlight of her career. 

Over the years, she collaborated with numerous icons in the music industry, including Pure Magic, Sipho Mbele, Brothers of Peace (B.O.P.), Bongo Maffin, Zonke Dikana, and DJ Cleo, leaving an indelible mark on South Africa’s music scene.

Her extraordinary talent, resilience, and contributions to Afropop and gospel music have cemented her legacy as one of South Africa’s most cherished artists.