Kelly Khumalo Slams eNCA for False Death Announcement Amid Family Grief

South African singer Kelly Khumalo has expressed her outrage at eNCA News for falsely reporting her death, an error that caused significant distress for her and her loved ones.

The erroneous broadcast, aired on Tuesday, January 7, came at an especially difficult time as her family mourned the passing of her relative, the renowned singer Winnie Khumalo.

The False Report

The false announcement was broadcast during eNCA’s program The Lead, where anchor Shahan Ramkissoon wrongly stated, “If you are just joining us, our breaking news story is that musician Kelly Khumalo has passed away at the age of 51. We will speak to her colleagues in a short while.”

The misinformation was further amplified when a clip of the broadcast was shared on eNCA’s Instagram page. Not only did the report falsely declare Kelly Khumalo’s death, but it also inaccurately stated her age, adding insult to injury.

Kelly Khumalo’s Response

Kelly Khumalo wasted no time addressing the situation, taking to Instagram to voice her anger and disappointment. In a direct message to eNCA, she wrote:
“@encanews you may hate me or even think very less of me, however this is very reckless, ignorant, and disrespectful not only to me but to those who love and care about me, especially my kids. PUT SOME RESPECT ON MY NAME.”

Her post highlights the emotional toll such misinformation can have, particularly during a time of personal grief. For Kelly and her family, the timing of the incident—on the same day they mourned Winnie Khumalo—compounded the distress caused by the false report.

Winnie Khumalo’s Passing

While the false report caused unnecessary chaos, the Khumalo family was grappling with a genuine loss. Winnie Khumalo, known for her hit song Live My Life, passed away after a short illness. According to family representative Tshepi Akeepile, Winnie fell ill and was being rushed to the hospital when she tragically passed away in transit.

“She was sick and her daughter was out. It was her daughter that got back home to come and collect her so that she could be taken to the hospital. She tried to help her. Unfortunately, on their drive to the hospital, that’s when she passed away. When they arrived at the hospital, they pronounced her dead on arrival,” Akeepile explained.

Winnie Khumalo leaves behind her son Ntando Khumalo, daughter Rethabile Khumalo, three grandchildren, three sisters, and her mother. The family described their grief as “devastating” and expressed their profound loss.

Public Reaction and Accountability

The juxtaposition of the false death report and the genuine mourning of Winnie Khumalo has drawn sharp criticism toward eNCA. Kelly Khumalo’s followers and fans have rallied behind her, condemning the broadcaster for its lack of accountability and fact-checking.

The incident has sparked broader discussions about journalistic responsibility and the emotional damage caused by unverified reporting. Many have called on eNCA to issue a formal apology and take concrete measures to prevent such errors in the future.

Lessons for the Media

Kelly Khumalo’s case serves as a stark reminder of the need for accuracy and sensitivity in journalism, especially when covering matters that deeply affect individuals and families. The incident underscores the harm that can arise from recklessness in news reporting and the importance of putting humanity at the forefront of every story.

While the Khumalo family continues to grieve the loss of Winnie Khumalo, the public and Kelly herself demand justice—not just for her but for all those impacted by careless media practices.