In a heart-wrenching farewell, Generations: The Legacy actress Manaka Ranaka laid her beloved daughter, Katlego Ranaka, to rest on Saturday, 1 February, at the South Park Memorial in Germiston.
The service was attended by family, friends, Manaka’s colleagues, and Katlego’s schoolmates, who gathered to pay their respects and celebrate her life. Among the mourners was Manaka’s sister, reality star Mpumi Ranaka, who shared a touching tribute to her niece.
A Bond Beyond Words
Mpumi, visibly emotional, spoke about the close bond she shared with Katlego, describing her as more than just a niece. “We breastfed together, watched our kids grow, and built a special bond with my niece, Katlego. Katlego was more than a niece to me; she was a piece of my heart and the joy that I will carry forever,” she said.
Struggling to hold back tears, Mpumi thanked her sister Manaka for trusting her with Katlego. “I am grateful for the time we had together, and I will cherish the memories forever,” she added.
Mpumi’s daughter, Thando, who was often referred to as Katlego’s “soul sister,” also delivered a moving tribute. “It is difficult to say goodbye, but it had to be done. I must let you go. I have not prepared any funeral speech for you because I never thought you would leave before me. I thought we would leave around the same time or that I would leave first,” Thando said.
She described the pain of losing Katlego as losing a piece of herself. “Saying goodbye to you feels like losing a part of who I am. I will miss singing our soul sista theme songs and calling you just to hear your voice,” she added.
A Mother’s Heartbreak
Manaka, who has been a pillar of strength for her family, revealed the profound grief she felt as a mother. “I felt you leave, my baby. My womb felt you leave. I still feel you leaving me even today. I can only imagine what Mpho (Katlego’s four-year-old son) is feeling now,” she said.
Manaka shared that she had seen Katlego the night before her passing and noticed that she didn’t look like herself. “I saw you last night, and you didn’t look like my KG. We will keep your memory alive for ourselves and for the sake of your son. Fly high, my angel,” she said.
#manakaranaka delivers a moving message to her daughter #Katlegoranaka during her funeral service on Saturday, 1 February
📹Kgomotso Medupe pic.twitter.com/Z7aqtVpuki— Daily Sun Entertainment News (@DailysunCelebs) February 1, 2025
A Life Cut Short
Katlego, who was on the verge of completing her diploma in Animal Production at the Ekurhuleni Agricultural College, had a bright future ahead of her. Her untimely death has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her.
Generations actress Refilwe Madumo, who attended the funeral to support her co-star, praised Manaka for being a supportive mother despite her demanding career. “You allowed your daughter to spread her wings instead of living under your shadow. You gave her the freedom to shine on her own,” Madumo said.
A Sister’s Farewell
Katlego’s best friend and sister, Thandokuhle Manaka, also bid her a tearful farewell. In a video shared by TikToker Motso Medupe, Thandokuhle expressed the difficulty of saying goodbye. “Burying my sister, Katlego, was the hardest thing I had to do. Nothing lasts forever, but I will miss everything about her—our songs, our laughter, and our bond,” she said.
WATCH: #katlegoranaka funeral #rasta #ranaka #rip @dailysunsa https://t.co/Hubuu95HMb pic.twitter.com/JOi9JLpAkS
— Kgomotso Medupe (@MedupeKB) February 1, 2025
Thandokuhle listed the things she would never be able to do with Katlego again, from singing their favourite songs to simply calling her to hear her voice. “You were my soul sister, and life will never be the same without you,” she added.
A Community in Mourning
The funeral service was a testament to the impact Katlego had on those around her. Friends, family, and colleagues shared stories of her kindness, love, and vibrant spirit. Manaka’s colleagues from Generations: The Legacy were among the mourners, offering their support during this difficult time.
As Katlego was laid to rest, her family vowed to keep her memory alive, especially for the sake of her young son, Mpho. “We will honour her by living our lives with the same love and kindness she showed to everyone,” Manaka said.
Conclusion
The passing of Katlego Ranaka has left a deep void in the hearts of her loved ones. Her mother, Manaka Ranaka, has shown immense strength in the face of unimaginable loss, drawing comfort from the outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and colleagues.
As the Ranaka family navigates this difficult time, they are united in their commitment to preserving Katlego’s legacy. Her memory will live on through the stories, laughter, and love she shared with those who knew her best.
For Manaka, the pain of losing her daughter is profound, but she finds solace in the belief that Katlego is now her guardian angel, watching over her and her son from above. “Fly high, my angel,” she said, as she bid her final farewell to her beloved daughter.