Masechaba Mposwa Mourns the Loss of Her Mother, ANC Stalwart Sibongile Khumalo, at 63
South African news anchor and radio host Masechaba Mposwa is grieving the passing of her mother, Sibongile Promise Imelda Khumalo, a dedicated ANC member and freedom fighter who died at the age of 63. Khumalo, also known during the apartheid era as Patricia Promise Lamula, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, 21 November 2025. Her life was marked by bravery, from her early involvement in the Soweto Uprising to her role as a broadcaster for Radio Freedom, the ANC’s underground station. As tributes pour in from across the nation, Mposwa has shared a heartfelt ode to her mother, calling her a warrior whose legacy will live on in South Africa’s history.
Khumalo’s death has touched many, with the ANC and royal figures highlighting her selfless service. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but her family is receiving support during this difficult time. This loss comes as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom, inspiring a new generation to carry forward their values.
A Warrior’s Final Rest: Mposwa’s Emotional Tribute
Masechaba Mposwa, a well-known anchor at Newzroom Afrika, took to social media to announce her mother’s passing, sharing the deep pain of losing a parent who was also a national hero. “This morning at 6am, my world shifted forever. My mother, Promise Sibongile Imelda Khumalo, took her final breath at home. A warrior has rested,” she wrote in an emotional post.
Mposwa described her mother as far more than a parent—she was a soldier, a freedom fighter, a truth-teller, and a revolutionary spirit shaped by purpose. At just 14 years old, Khumalo joined the struggle after taking part in the 1976 Soweto Uprising, a pivotal moment when students rose against apartheid’s unjust education system. She left South Africa to receive military training with Umkhonto weSizwe (MK), the ANC’s armed wing, choosing courage over fear and justice over silence.
As a trailblazing journalist, Khumalo became a pioneering voice for Radio Freedom, broadcasting messages of hope and resistance from exile. Her work helped rally support for the liberation movement, carrying truth and conviction across borders. Mposwa honoured her mother’s dedication, saying, “She gave her entire life to the liberation of South Africa. Today, I honour the life of a woman who fought so we could be free, who lived with bravery, who loved fiercely, and who served her country with everything she had. Rest, Mama. Your legacy is carved into history. Your spirit lives in every heartbeat of this nation and in every breath I take.”
Khumalo was there for her daughter’s key milestones, from Mposwa’s rise as an award-winning radio and TV host to her wedding in November 2024. The bond between mother and daughter was strong, with Mposwa following in her footsteps as a reporter, using her platform to tell stories that matter.
ANC Pays Tribute to a Loyal MK Soldier
The African National Congress (ANC) released a statement mourning Khumalo’s death, describing her as a “loyal MK soldier, radio freedom communication commissar, and lifelong servant of the people”. They praised her for working with humility and dedication as a public servant, always putting others first.
“Her commitment to supporting fellow military veterans reflected her deep compassion and unwavering revolutionary values,” the ANC noted. Khumalo’s life after the struggle continued in service, helping those who had fought alongside her. She remained a symbol of the sacrifices made during apartheid, embodying the spirit of resilience that helped build a democratic South Africa.
Her involvement in MK began young, but her impact lasted a lifetime. From military training in exile to her role in communications, Khumalo played a vital part in the fight against oppression. The ANC extended heartfelt condolences to Mposwa and the Khumalo family, recognising the personal loss amid the national one.
Princess Network Honours a Trailblazer
The South African Royal Princess Network also paid tribute, calling Khumalo a “trailblazer and a towering figure in South African liberation history”. Founded in 2019 by Princess Stella Sigcau II of the Mpondo Kingdom and now led by Princess Nandile Ndamase, the network highlighted her extraordinary bravery and resilience.
“Her life story is one of extraordinary bravery and resilience,” they said. As a member of MK, she dedicated her youth and strength to the fight for freedom, becoming a voice of hope with enduring strength. The network’s statement echoed the admiration felt by many, seeing Khumalo as an inspiration for women and leaders in the ongoing quest for equality and justice.
Princess Nandile Ndamase, in her leadership role, has focused on empowering women and preserving cultural heritage, values that align with Khumalo’s legacy of service and activism.
Khumalo’s Enduring Legacy in the Struggle
Sibongile Khumalo’s journey began in the turbulent days of apartheid. Born in 1962, she was just a teenager when she stood against the regime during the Soweto Uprising, a protest that claimed many young lives but sparked global attention to South Africa’s injustices. Fleeing the country, she trained in camps abroad, learning skills to support the armed struggle.
Her work with Radio Freedom was groundbreaking. From bases in countries like Zambia and Tanzania, the station broadcast anti-apartheid messages, news, and calls to action, reaching listeners inside South Africa despite the risks. Khumalo’s voice became a beacon for those resisting oppression, helping to sustain morale during dark times.
After democracy in 1994, she continued serving as a public servant, focusing on veterans’ welfare. Her compassion extended to helping comrades rebuild their lives, showing the same dedication that defined her youth. Khumalo’s story is one of quiet strength, often behind the scenes but always impactful.
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