South African singer Kelly Khumalo has expressed her outrage after a mistake by South African news channel eNCA mistakenly reported that she had passed away. The confusion, which occurred on Tuesday evening, mistakenly identified Kelly Khumalo as the deceased musician, instead of fellow singer Winnie Khumalo, who tragically passed away at the age of 51 following a short illness.
The error quickly went viral, sparking significant backlash, particularly from Kelly Khumalo herself. She took to social media to voice her disgust and disappointment, calling out eNCA for the misstep and highlighting the emotional distress it caused her and her loved ones.
Kelly Khumalo wasted no time in addressing the issue, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram directed at the news channel. She expressed her anger over the careless mistake and called it “reckless, ignorant, and disrespectful.” She emphasized that the blunder not only affected her but also her family and children, who were distressed by the news.
“@encanews you may hate me or even think 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,” she wrote, making it clear how deeply the error had impacted her.
In response to the backlash, eNCA’s news anchor, Shahan Ramkissoon, took to social media to offer an apology. Ramkissoon explained that the error was a “slip of the tongue” while ad-libbing the story, and he took full responsibility for the mistake. He acknowledged the severity of the mistake, especially considering the emotional toll it may have taken on Kelly Khumalo and her family.
“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,” Ramkissoon wrote on X. He also addressed critics, telling those who were amplifying the mistake for attention to “do what you must trend and stay blessed.”
Despite his apology, the incident continued to generate significant attention, with many social media users questioning how such a mistake could occur. The incident highlighted the vulnerability of public figures to inaccurate media reports, which can cause significant harm.
Kelly Khumalo’s response to the news blunder was met with a great deal of support from her fans and fellow celebrities. Many praised her for standing up for herself and her family, condemning eNCA for what they considered an irresponsible and insensitive error. Fans expressed empathy for Khumalo, pointing out that such mistakes can have far-reaching emotional consequences, particularly for someone as prominent as the singer.
However, there were some who took a different approach, using the moment to bring up past controversies surrounding Khumalo. Some critics questioned why she was so upset about the mistake, with some referencing the ongoing investigation into the 2014 death of South African footballer Senzo Meyiwa.
Kelly Khumalo had been in a relationship with Meyiwa at the time of his tragic shooting, which occurred in her family’s home in Vosloorus. While the circumstances surrounding Meyiwa’s death remain under investigation, the case has led to much speculation, and some individuals seized on the media mistake as an opportunity to comment on these suspicions.
However, Kelly Khumalo’s supporters were quick to reject these insinuations, reinforcing that her personal grief over the eNCA mix-up should not be overshadowed by unfounded accusations or assumptions about her involvement in past events.
This incident underscores the critical importance of accuracy in the media, especially when it involves sensitive topics such as the death of a public figure. For Kelly Khumalo, a person already embroiled in public controversy, the mix-up stirred additional pain, compounded by the scrutiny she already faces in the wake of Senzo Meyiwa’s death.
As a result, the error served as a reminder of how the media plays a significant role in shaping public perception and how easily misinformation can cause emotional and psychological distress for those affected. Despite the apology from eNCA, the incident has raised important questions about media responsibility and the consequences of careless reporting.
The eNCA death mix-up involving Kelly Khumalo has ignited a broader conversation about respect, responsibility, and the impact of media errors on individuals’ lives. While Khumalo’s outcry was met with support, it also opened the door for further debates and discussions surrounding her personal life and the tragic events that continue to haunt her. In the end, the episode highlights the importance of accuracy and sensitivity in the news industry, as well as the potential emotional consequences for public figures when mistakes are made.
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