South African singer Kelly Khumalo has publicly criticized eNCA News for airing a false report that announced her death, an incident that has caused distress for her and her family. The erroneous announcement, broadcast on Tuesday, January 7, coincided with the mourning of her relative, renowned singer Winnie Khumalo, making the situation even more upsetting.
The False Report
The misinformation was aired on eNCA’s program “The Lead,” where reporter Shahan Ramkissoon inaccurately 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.”
A clip of this broadcast was subsequently shared on eNCA’s Instagram page, further amplifying the misinformation. The claim not only falsely announced Kelly Khumalo’s death but also incorrectly reported her age.
Kelly Khumalo wasted no time addressing the situation, taking to her Instagram account to express her outrage. In a post directed at 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 reaction underscores the emotional toll such an error can take, particularly during a time of personal and family grief. The timing of the incident, happening on the same day as her family mourned the death of Winnie Khumalo, added to the distress.
On the same day as the false report, the South African music industry mourned the loss of singer and actress Winnie Khumalo. Known for her hit song “Live My Life,” Winnie Khumalo passed away after a short illness.
Family representative Tshepi Akeepile provided details about her passing:
“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.”
Winnie Khumalo leaves behind her son Ntando Khumalo, daughter Rethabile Khumalo, three grandchildren, three sisters, and her mother. Akeepile expressed the family’s deep sorrow, stating, “It is expected that we are devastated. We are at a loss.”
Impact of the False Report
The juxtaposition of the false report with the genuine grief surrounding Winnie Khumalo’s passing highlights the insensitivity and irresponsibility of eNCA’s broadcast. The inaccurate announcement not only caused unnecessary distress to Kelly Khumalo but also diverted attention from the genuine tragedy the family was experiencing.
Kelly Khumalo’s condemnation of eNCA has drawn attention to the need for rigorous fact-checking and accountability in journalism. Disseminating unverified information, particularly about such sensitive matters, demonstrates a lack of editorial diligence and a disregard for the emotional impact on those affected.
Kelly Khumalo
Public and Professional Reaction
The public has rallied behind Kelly Khumalo, condemning eNCA’s actions and expressing support for her during this challenging time. Many have called for the broadcaster to issue a formal apology and take steps to ensure that similar errors are avoided in the future.
The incident has also reignited conversations about the responsibilities of news organizations in maintaining accuracy and sensitivity, particularly when reporting on issues that can have profound emotional repercussions.
Moving Forward
As Kelly Khumalo navigates this difficult time, her response serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful and accurate reporting. For eNCA, the incident should serve as a wake-up call to prioritize integrity and accountability in its editorial processes.
Amid the false report and the genuine loss of Winnie Khumalo, the incident underscores the critical role that responsible journalism plays in shaping public discourse and supporting those affected by tragedy.