Actress Manaka Ranaka, known for her roles in *Generations: The Legacy* and *Stokvel*, has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Katlego Manaka. The legendary actress took to Instagram to share her grief and pay tribute to her 24-year-old daughter, who passed away on Friday, January 23, 2025.

Manaka’s tribute on her Instagram story read, “Oh, my beautiful angel. #RIPKatlegoRanaka,” accompanied by a simple yet poignant candle image. This heartfelt message was the first confirmation of Katlego’s passing, following a post by Manaka’s other daughter, Thandokuhle Manaka, who had recently graduated and shared the devastating news on her own Instagram account.

 

 

 
### Remembering Katlego

Manaka’s relationship with her late daughter was deeply cherished, as seen in her past Instagram posts. In November 2024, the actress celebrated Katlego’s birthday with a heartfelt message:
“Happy birthday to the 1st born, the 1st grandchild, the 1st niece. The best big sister to my children. Happy birthday my 1st love @katlego_ranaka. I love you, long-time my big girl.”Katlego was Manaka’s first-born child, a role that came with its challenges. In previous interviews, Manaka reflected on her journey as a young mother. She revealed that she had been pressured to terminate her pregnancy while working in the entertainment industry but stood firm in her decision to keep her child.

“Happy birthday, mama,” she wrote in 2020. “The one who made me a mother. The one who made me a Gmom (grandmother). You @kay.stone_core are such a blessing in my life. We were so meant to be. I remember when the women I worked for told me to abort you, and I was like, la hlanya (y’all are crazy), they fired me!”https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFOQBMssahn/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

### Support from Fans and Colleagues

South Africans and Manaka’s industry colleagues flooded her social media comment sections with messages of love and support during this difficult time. Many expressed their condolences and admired her strength in honoring Katlego’s memory despite her immense grief.

### Manaka’s Legacy as a Mother

In addition to being a celebrated actress, Manaka has always been open about her journey as a mother. She often spoke of her pride in her children, including Thandokuhle, who recently graduated, and Katlego, who had already made her a grandmother. Her transparency about the ups and downs of motherhood resonated with many fans, making her a relatable and beloved figure in South Africa’s entertainment industry.

### Moving Forward

The tragic loss of Katlego is a painful chapter in Manaka’s life, but her resilience and love for her family remain unwavering. As she navigates this period of mourning, the actress continues to inspire others with her courage and devotion to her children.

Manaka Ranaka’s Eldest Daughter Katlego Ranaka Sadly Passed Away 🕊️ACTRESS grieves the tragic loss of her daughter.

Manaka Ranaka is mourning the unexpected death of her daughter, Katlego ‘KG’ Ranaka, who passed away on Thursday, 23 January. At this time, details about her passing remain unknown.Katlego, aged 24, was establishing herself in the entertainment industry. She appeared on popular TV shows and was making strides as a radio presenter and DJ.The Ranaka family has released a statement requesting prayers and respect for their privacy during this profoundly challenging time. They mentioned that details regarding her farewell will be shared soon.

 

 

 

 

 
Katlego’s sister Thandokuhle shared a video of Katlego on her Instagram account on Friday evening and captioned the post: “My angel, my first love, my soul sista. Never did I think that this day would come so soon. My heart is broken, you have left me with a wound that I don’t know how to heal. Until I find the words, till we meet again. I will love you forever.”

The family confirmed in a statement that Katlego passed away on Thursday. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sorrowful news of the passing of our cherished Katlego ‘KG’ Ranaka on January 23.

“The Ranaka family humbly requests your prayers and respect for their privacy during this profoundly challenging time. Further details regarding her farewell will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.

Katlego will be remembered for the joy and inspiration she brought to the South African entertainment scene.

Nomzamo Mbatha shows love to 7 schools

South African actress and philanthropist Nomzamo Mbatha continues to make a difference in the lives of young learners through her foundation, The Nomzamo Lighthouse Foundation.

In its annual Back to School outreach program, the foundation has embarked on a mission to provide much-needed school essentials to students across the country.

 

 

 

 
This year’s initiative spans across seven schools, benefiting 700 students in five provinces, with the distribution of 700 school shoes and uniforms.

The program kicked off in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, starting with two schools – Bhekisisa High School and Khalipha Special School.

In a heartfelt message, Nomzamo reflected on the challenges that learners face at the beginning of the school year.

“Every beginning of the year gathers anxiety for learners, for different reasons, as they are faced with so many realities,” she shared.

Many students and their families must make difficult financial choices, weighing the importance of essentials such as home groceries, transport fares, lunch money, or new school attire. These challenges often take a toll on the self-esteem and overall well-being of the students.

Recognizing these struggles, the foundation’s goal is to restore dignity, ease the financial burden on parents, and bring joy to students, ensuring they start their academic year with confidence and hope.

Nomzamo expressed her gratitude to the teachers who play a pivotal role in the initiative by submitting requests on behalf of their learners and schools.

“I’m a product of teachers who looked out for me, so they have a very special place in my heart,” she added, emphasizing the critical role educators play in shaping young lives.

The Back to School outreach program is a beacon of hope for underprivileged students, demonstrating the power of collective efforts in making education accessible and fostering a supportive learning environment.

Coming Up On #HouseOfZwide This February 2025:
Monday 3 February 2025
Episode 146
Keletso turns to Isaac for help regarding her relationship issues with Katlego, but Isaac is ill at ease discussing such issues with his daughter and is unable to help.
Tuesday 4 February 2025
Episode 147

 

 

 

 

 

Palesa invites Neo to a party celebrating her soon to open shop. Ona warns Neo that Palesa is not someone he wants to entangle himself with. Neo makes it clear that he has no feelings for Palesa.
Wednesday 5 February 2025
Episode 148
Keletso’s friend apologises to Katlego, while Isaac and Maria have an awkward moment as he thanks her for helping Keletso.
Thursday 6 February 2025
Episode 149
A confused and pained Neo continues to worry as Ona insists that the fact that they slept together means nothing to her. He presses her to sit down with him and explain what’s going on.
Friday 7 February 2025
Episode 150
Isaac is left feeling anxious when Mjabuliseni returns to the salon with flowers for Maria and admits that he has feelings for her.
Monday 10 February 2025
Episode 151
Ona tells Shoki that she slept with Neo but has no feelings for him while Neo tells Thato he thinks Ona used him for sex and has no intention of being involved with him.
Tuesday 11 February 2025
Episode 152
Maria gets Thato’s advice on what dress to wear for her date with Mjabuliseni. Isaac compliments her but Maria assumes he means nothing by it.
Wednesday 12 February 2025
Episode 153
Msizi arrives at the car wash with Faith’s car and tasks Musa with washing it. However, Musa who has been drinking on the job, ends up crashing the car.
Thursday 13 February 2025
Episode 154
Neo pleads with Ona to go on a date with him and for one last chance to prove his love for her. He tells her he won’t bother her again. Ona reluctantly agrees.
Friday 14 February 2025
Episode 155
Ona tells Thato that she thinks that Neo is going to do a big romantic gesture for Valentines, and she will have to reject him again. However, she is later annoyed when Palesa arrives and flirts openly with Neo.
Monday 17 February 2025
Episode 156
Wounded by Musa’s words, Soka defends himself and explains that he has worked hard for everything he has but at least he knows for sure how Musa sees him.
Tuesday 18 February 2025
Episode 157
Isaac and Maria agree to meet at night to spend time together without arousing suspicion. Later that night, Molefe hears a sound outside and goes to investigate.
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Episode 158
While Soka and Mampho celebrate being reunited, Neo pulls out all the stops to win Ona back with a power point presentation showing why he deserves another chance with her.
Thursday 20 February 2025
Episode 159
Neo is left disappointed when Ona gives him a lacklustre promise to get back to him with her response to his presentation.
Friday 21 February 2025
Episode 160
Marvin steals a car and follows Msizi to the coffee shop. He confronts Msizi there. We learn that Marvin was a member of Msizi’s old heist crew and even though Msizi thought he was dead, he survived.
Monday 24 February 2025
Episode 161
Laz urges Thato to press Mampho into fulfilling her promise to make him co-designer. When confronted by Thato, Mampho reluctantly promises that she will get to it.
Tuesday 25 February 2025
Episode 162
Msizi meets with Sizwe at a secluded spot. Msizi fears that Sizwe didn’t buy his story about the cops taking the heist money. He intends to kill him before Sizwe kills him first.
Wednesday 26 February 2025
Episode 163
Thato realises that the team has been planning a surprise party. He’s delighted as they congratulate him on being co-designer at Sincerely Mampho.
Thursday 27 February 2025
Episode 164
Laz is thrilled when Thato asks for her help designing the ballroom costumes. And in a lighthearted moment, Laz reveals she was quite the dancer back in the day. She and Thato end up dancing.
Friday 28 February 2025
Episode 165
A shocked and embarrassed Isaac and Maria are confronted by an outraged Keletso, leading to a commotion that awakens the rest of the Molapos.
Premiere episodes of House of Zwide air on e.tv from Mondays to Fridays at 19h00

Talent from Zimbabwe continues to shine brightly on South Africa’s entertainment and fashion stages. Here’s a look at five incredible women Zim celebrities who have carved out successful careers in Mzansi:
Shasha

Known as the “Queen of Amapiano”, Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, professionally known as Sha Sha, has captivated South Africa with her soulful voice and chart-topping hits like Tender Love and Woza. Born in Mutare, Zimbabwe, she began her musical journey in 2011 and was later discovered by Audius Mtawarira.

Working with the likes of DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small, Sha Sha has become one of the most celebrated artists in the Amapiano genre. She has earned international recognition, including a BET Award for Best New International Act in 2020. According to NME, she is the first Zimbabwean artist to be named Best New International Act at the BET Awards
Nadia Nakai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Hip-hop star Nadia Nakai has risen to prominence in South Africa’s scene. With her Zimbabwean heritage through her mother, Nadia has embraced her roots while dominating the music industry. In a 2023 interview on Zingah’s podcast, Nadia Nakai stated she prefers to be recognised as a South African rapper.

She believes that Zimbabwean rappers who rap in Shona and are based in Zimbabwe should receive the designation of Zimbabwean artists. The debate reignited after the BET Awards labeled Nadia a Zimbabwean artist and nominated her for Best International Flow.
Kim Jayde

According to the Global Teacher Prize, Kim Jayde, born in Harare and raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, completed her high school education in 2008. She moved to South Africa in 2009 and earned an Honours Degree in Social Work from the University of Stellenbosch.

Kim Jayde is a model, TV presenter, and influencer known in South Africa’s fashion and entertainment scene. She gained recognition as an MTV Base presenter and has collaborated with global brands like Revlon, Coca-Cola, and Levi’s. Her vibrant personality and sense of style have earned her a loyal fan base.
Berita (Gugulethu Khumalo)

Afro-soul singer and songwriter Berita was born in Bulawayo and has found success in South Africa with her emotive songs and captivating performances. Hits like Thandolwethu and Ndicel’ikiss have endeared her to fans across the continent. Berita is also a philanthropist and advocate for African women in the arts.
Chi Mhende

Chiedza “Chi” Mhende is a Zimbabwean actress who gained fame in South Africa for her groundbreaking role as Wandile Radebe in Generations: The Legacy. Her gender-bending performance earned her critical acclaim and showcased her immense acting range. Beyond acting, Chi is a voice-over artist and director, solidifying her position as a multifaceted talent.