A live broadcast mistake by eNCA mistakenly reported Kelly Khumalo’s death, sparking outrage from the singer herself and raising questions about media responsibility.

In a shocking and highly controversial incident, South African news broadcaster eNCA found itself at the center of a public uproar following a grave blunder by presenter Shahan Ramkissoon.

During a live broadcast, Ramkissoon mistakenly reported the death of singer Kelly Khumalo, instead of the late musician Winnie Khumalo, who tragically passed away on January 7, 2025.

This careless error has sparked an intense backlash, particularly from Kelly Khumalo herself, who expressed her fury on social media, accusing eNCA of disrespect and negligence.

The incident unfolded during a live news segment when Ramkissoon, while covering the death of Winnie Khumalo, mistakenly stated that Kelly Khumalo had passed away.

The slip of the tongue immediately sent shockwaves through the media landscape, leaving viewers in disbelief.

The confusion was compounded by the fact that Kelly Khumalo is still alive, while Winnie Khumalo, a well-respected figure in the South African music scene, tragically passed away after a brief illness at the age of 51.

Winnie Khumalo, best known for her iconic hit “Live My Life,” had a profound influence on the South African music industry, and her untimely death left a gaping hole in the hearts of her family, friends, and fans.

However, the error made by eNCA, which mixed up the two Khumalo names, was seen as a significant breach of journalistic integrity, especially given the sensitive nature of reporting on death.

Kelly Khumalo’s immediate response to the blunder was one of utter disbelief and anger. Taking to Instagram, the singer unleashed a scathing critique of eNCA, condemning the broadcaster for what she described as a “reckless, ignorant, and disrespectful” mistake.

She expressed that the error was not only a simple mix-up but an affront to her dignity and the respect she deserves, particularly as a mother.

“@encanews, you may dislike me or hold me in low regard, but this is incredibly reckless, ignorant, and disrespectful – not just to me but to those who love and care about me, especially my children.

PUT SOME RESPECT ON MY NAME,” she wrote, making it clear that she would not tolerate such careless reporting.

In an attempt to quell the growing backlash, Shahan Ramkissoon issued an apology on X (formerly Twitter), admitting that it was an honest mistake. “I made an honest mistake, which I corrected shortly afterwards on air.

It was a slip of the tongue as I ad-libbed the story. I take full responsibility for the error,” he wrote, acknowledging the gravity of his mistake.

However, many found his apology insufficient, particularly when he followed it up with a dismissive remark, telling critics to “do what you must trend and stay blessed.”

This response only further fueled the anger of those who felt that the broadcaster was downplaying the seriousness of the situation.

The tragic passing of Winnie Khumalo, who was 51 years old, has left her family devastated. According to family spokesperson Tshepi Akeepile, Winnie had been feeling unwell before her sudden death.

Her daughter had returned home to take her to the hospital, but tragically, Winnie’s condition worsened during the drive, and she passed away before reaching the hospital.

The family has expressed deep sorrow, with Akeepile sharing, “It is an incredibly painful time for us.

Winnie had a son, Ntando Khumalo, a daughter, Rethabile Khumalo, three grandchildren, three sisters, and her mother. We are heartbroken and trying to come to terms with this loss.”

The media mix-up has sparked wider conversations about the responsibilities of news outlets in handling sensitive stories, particularly those involving death.

In this digital age, where information spreads rapidly, the importance of accuracy and respect in journalism has never been more crucial.

This incident highlights the potential consequences of careless reporting, especially when it involves the names of public figures and their families.

Kelly Khumalo’s passionate reaction to the blunder has sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of celebrities in the media and the accountability of journalists.

Many have voiced their support for Kelly, condemning the lack of professionalism and respect displayed by eNCA.

The incident has also raised questions about the measures that news organizations must take to prevent similar errors in the future, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like death.

As the story unfolds, the public’s focus is not only on the tragic loss of Winnie Khumalo but also on the fallout from the media error.

Kelly Khumalo’s call for respect and accountability is resonating strongly with many, prompting discussions about the importance of journalism ethics and the impact of media mistakes on individuals and their families.

This controversy serves as a stark reminder of the power of the media to shape public perception and the responsibility that comes with it.

In the wake of this incident, many are calling for eNCA to take stronger measures to ensure that such a mistake does not happen again.

The broadcaster has yet to release a formal statement addressing the fallout, but it is clear that this error has shaken public trust in the news outlet.

Ultimately, the tragic loss of Winnie Khumalo and the subsequent media mix-up serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treating those who have passed with the utmost respect.

As the Khumalo family continues to mourn their loss, the hope is that this incident will lead to greater accountability in the media, ensuring that such errors are not repeated and that journalists uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding this blunder is likely to linger for some time, with Kelly Khumalo’s call for respect echoing across social media.

As the story continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how eNCA addresses the situation and whether any lasting changes are made to prevent similar errors in the future.