Legendary musician Sello “Chicco” Twala delivered an emotional tribute on Saturday at the funeral of award-winning singer and actress Winnie Khumalo, held in Soweto. The Protea South Multipurpose Centre was filled with government officials, family members, dignitaries, and arts industry players who gathered to honor the life of the beloved star. Khumalo passed away on January 7 at the age of 51 after a brief illness.
During his address, Chicco highlighted the neglect and struggles faced by South African artists, including Khumalo, despite their contributions to the music industry. He emphasized the disparity between the revenue generated by the industry and the support provided to artists.
“The music industry generates over R8 billion annually, but 90 percent of that money goes to employees who manage our finances. They have medical aids and benefits, while we are left with burial aids. They only set money aside for us when we are gone,” he said.
Expressing his dismay, Chicco added, “Winnie did not deserve to pass away the way she did. She suffered in silence. I saw her two days before her passing, and what I witnessed was heartbreaking. Artists like Winnie, who contributed immensely to our industry, deserve better. The government must take action.”
Chicco also reminded attendees of Khumalo’s critical role in uniting the African National Congress (ANC) during a turbulent period in 2009, when the party faced a significant threat from the breakaway Congress of the People (COPE). Through a strategic campaign that included powerful songs, Khumalo’s voice became a unifying force for the ANC.
“It was Winnie’s voice that rallied disgruntled ANC members who were on the verge of defecting to COPE. Her contribution united my ANC, which was disorganized at the time. But today, I am disappointed. The ANC has failed to fight for us when we fought for them,” he said.
Chicco called for decisive leadership to protect and support living artists, highlighting that corruption has left many to die in poverty. “Corruption is the reason behind situations like this. Winnie would not have suffered or died this way if we had a government that protected us,” he said.
He also shared that Khumalo had expressed her frustrations about the state of the South African music industry just days before her passing.
In a heartfelt gesture to Khumalo’s family, Chicco announced that her house bond would be paid off. “Our organization will settle the bond this year,” he concluded.
Winnie Khumalo’s passing has sparked renewed calls for systemic change in the music industry and a commitment to honoring and supporting the artists who shape South Africa’s cultural identity.
