Meet Katlego Ranaka's Father, Sipho Lekaba: A Heartwarming Tribute At Her Memorial
- South Africans were introduced to Katlego Ranaka's father, Sipho Lekaba, at her heartfelt memorial service.
- Actress Manaka Ranaka honored Katlego's memory by presenting her father with a beautiful portrait of their late daughter.
- Celebrity friends and fans of the Generations: The Legacy star have taken to social media to express their condolences and celebrate her life.
The legendary actress Manaka Ranaka paid tribute to her late daughter, Katlego Ranaka, at her memorial service, alongside her father, Sipho Lekaba. This wasn’t just any gathering—it was a moment filled with love, respect, and remembrance for a young woman who left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Katlego’s life was tragically cut short at the young age of 24, leaving a void that will never be filled. Her passing on Thursday, January 23, 2025, shocked and saddened not only her family but also her vast circle of friends and fans.
Katlego’s memorial service, held on January 30, 2025, was a poignant event that allowed loved ones to come together and celebrate her life. Her funeral followed shortly after, on February 1, 2025. During this time, Manaka shared a heartfelt moment from the past—a photo of herself and Sipho Lekaba, taken back in 2014. The caption she added to the post on Instagram was lighthearted, but it carried a deeper meaning: “#TbT #SiphoLekaba the sp*rm donar!!! Once upon a rasta lol.” Little did anyone know then how much these words would resonate in the years to come.
A Moment of Reunion and Remembrance
Social media user Tamarafally recently shared a video capturing a deeply emotional moment at Katlego’s memorial service. In the video, Manaka Ranaka, with tears in her eyes, gifted Sipho Lekaba a stunning portrait of their late daughter. The gesture was both powerful and personal, symbolizing the bond they shared as parents. Manaka expressed her gratitude to Sipho for being there for her and supporting her through the years, even though they had been apart for so long.
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In the video, Manaka reveals that Katlego inherited many of her qualities—her humility, kindness, and softness—from her father’s side of the family. She emphasized how close Katlego and Sipho were, sharing stories of their special relationship. It was clear that Katlego had a profound connection with her father, one that brought them together in ways neither of them could have anticipated.
South Africans React to Katlego’s Father’s Presence
The video of Sipho Lekaba at Katlego’s memorial service touched the hearts of many South Africans. Social media reactions poured in, showcasing the community’s support and admiration for the family’s strength. Refilwe7 commented, “How daddy looked at the pic,” capturing the tender moment between father and daughter. Jacqeuline Burger chimed in, “She looks like her dad,” highlighting the resemblance between Katlego and Sipho.
Natasha Entertainment expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, “I’m happy he was there to show support and be there for his daughter one last time. That is something we don’t normally see from fathers.” Lifecoachzee7 added, “I love you babe. I am praying for calmness and strength.” Meanwhile, dumisanimabunda769 replied with a simple but poignant, “Ouch, at 23.” And mwelase682 wrote, “Oh maarn sana lwam. Take it one day at a time. May she rest in peace.”
Generations: The Legacy Actress Celebrates Her Daughter
In a brighter chapter of her life, Manaka Ranaka celebrated another daughter, Thandokuhle Ranaka, who graduated in May 2024. This was a proud moment for the family, as Thandokuhle became the first graduate in their lineage. Manaka couldn’t hide her joy and pride, sharing the news with her fans on social media. The celebration was a testament to the resilience and strength of their family, even amidst challenges.
As Manaka continues to navigate this difficult period, she finds solace in the memories of her daughters and the love they brought into her life. Her journey is a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is beauty in the bonds we share and the legacies we leave behind. Katlego Ranaka may have left too soon, but her spirit lives on through the hearts of those who loved her.
