Winnie Khumalo had been discharged from the hospital in November last year after being diagnosed with asthma. She was at home working on her recovery, with the help of some medicine and a nebuliser. But singer and WinnKay Music founder, Winnie Khumalo was tired of being in and out of hospital. Close friends confirmed the passing of the singer today.

AILING

In November 2024, ZiMoja reported that Winnie was unaware that she suffered from asthma until an attack. The veteran singer was briefly admitted into a Johannesburg hospital after suffering from short breath, which she later learned was asthma. After getting medical care, she told ZiMoja that she was recovering at home. "I didn't know that I had asthma until I felt a shortness of breath. I was so confused,' she said. "I have never heard of anyone being diagnosed with asthma at this age. But the doctors have told me, it's still in the early stages and I need to manage it well and just take care of myself.'

HEALTH COMPLICATIONS

This was Winnie's first health scare. A few years ago she was diagnosed with diabetes, which she successfully managed. "I take care of myself, make sure I eat well,' she said. She also was wheelchair-bound for a few weeks and said, "I am a fighter, everyone knows. Many of my peers have passed on, but I want to see my grandchildren grow old, so I pray for long life,' At the funeral of veteran Kwaito artist, Mapaputsi, she spoke about her peers who had passed on. "I am the only one left. Maybe this is our time. I am just tired. I would love to see my kids grow and my grandchildren but it's sad.'

RIP

Confirming her passing, close friends said, she did not have a pleasant festive season due to ill health. "She's been in and out of hospital the whole of last year. The festive season was worse, but she kept it a secret and didn't want to tell too many people,' he said. "She has not been okay, the family will however share details of what happened to her.' Winnie's daughter and singer, Rethabile has shared several posts on social media about her mother without going into detail. Her eldest son Thando whom she shares with late boxer Dingaan Thobela said, " I am on my way to the house now. I can't say until I get home.'