South African Afro-pop star and reality TV personality Kelly Khumalo has expressed dissatisfaction with eNCA journalist Shahan Ramkissoon’s apology following a significant on-air error. During a live news broadcast, Ramkissoon mistakenly announced the death of Kelly Khumalo instead of fellow singer Winnie Khumalo, sparking outrage from Kelly and her supporters.
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Shahan Ramkissoon’s Mistake and Apology

The incident occurred when Shahan, reporting on the death of house music singer Winnie Khumalo, incorrectly mentioned Kelly Khumalo’s name. The slip of the tongue quickly drew backlash, prompting the journalist to issue an apology both on-air and via his social media platform.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Shahan explained, “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. To those seeking to amplify this for attention: do what you must trend and stay blessed.”

Kelly Khumalo Calls Out Shahan’s “Arrogance”

Kelly Khumalo, however, did not take the apology well. Sharing a screenshot of Shahan’s post on her Instagram stories, she reacted by simply writing, “The arrogance.”

Earlier, Kelly had taken to Instagram to express her anger over the mistake, calling it disrespectful and reckless. She emphasized the impact such an error could have on her loved ones, including her children. “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,” she wrote.

A Broader Conversation

This controversy has sparked broader discussions on the responsibilities of journalists and the potential impact of misinformation, especially when reporting on sensitive matters like death. Fans and critics alike have debated whether Shahan’s apology was adequate and whether Kelly’s reaction was justified.

Kelly Khumalo’s Ongoing Advocacy

The singer has recently been vocal about various issues affecting the South African entertainment industry. In a previous incident, Kelly weighed in on the public spat between traditional healers Gogo Skhotheni and Gogo Maweni, urging them to stop their online altercations. As someone who has embraced her own spiritual calling, Kelly highlighted the importance of respecting such practices and their significance.
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Winnie Khumalo Remembered

Meanwhile, tributes have poured in for Winnie Khumalo, the beloved house music artist who passed away recently. Her record label, Kalawa Jazmee, released a statement honoring her legacy and acknowledging her contributions to the music industry.

The ongoing discussions surrounding these events underline the need for careful reporting and the importance of holding public figures accountable for their words and actions.