She almost lost her mind when she received the call that her daughter was involved in a car accident. It was a lazy morning, and her phone was ringing off the hook. But it being a lazy day, she was not entertaining any calls.  After the 20th call, she decided to pick up the phone.  Singer Winnie Khumalo's heart dropped when she heard the news that her daughter had jumped in front of a speeding vehicle on the highway. She was informed by those on the scene that an ambulance had been called for her daughter, singer and songwriter Rethabile Khumalo who was in a critical state. "I lost my mind,' Winnie tells Zimoja. "I didn't know what to do. The phone calls wouldn't stop, everyone wanted to be the one breaking the news to me,' she says.  Winnie quickly rushed to the scene and Rethabile was taken to the hospital. "There are many things that led to her doing what she did but I don't blame myself or anyone,' Winnie says adding, "But I did not for one minute think that I failed her in any way. I have always supported my daughter in everything she does, and I have been a friend to her.'

RETHABILE'S LATEST SONG

On 28 October, Rethabile released her single titled Ngzok' nik' uthando, where she is thankful to have made it out alive after many hardships, including the suicide attempt. "I made it out alive when other people didn't, and I am grateful. This song is giving thanks to God for my life and gratitude to everyone who showed me love,' Rethabile says. "Since that accident, my life has been filled with nothing but blessings.' Rethabile does not regret what she did, as it was awake-up call for her to appreciate life. "At that moment, I was feeling emotional. I was down and depressed and I saw death as the only solution,' she says." I left my house, went to the highway and jumped in front of the fastest moving car, and woke up in hospital.' Rethabile says when she woke up, she was disappointed to still find herself alive. "I was still going through the emotions. But it is only later that I realised that I should not have done what I did,' she says. "The worse could have happened. I could have killed someone or people. I am just glad it did not go that far.'

LESSONS LEARNED

Rethabile's suicide attempt taught Winnie that being a parent is not an easy job. "Sometimes kids think they know but they don't. There have been many situations at home, where they don't listen. Even in my youth, I was stubborn, thinking I knew it all. I would lie and pretend that I am going to the studio to make music but came back with a baby,' she says. "So being a parent comes with the understanding that sometimes kids need to learn lessons the hard way and go through their own path with your guidance.' "My advice to parents is that we need to be involved in our children's lives. Be friends with our kids so they don't fear sharing sensitive information. We shouldn't treat our kids like babies forever because they will end up confiding in outsiders, who don't have their best interest at heart.'

WINNIE'S HEALTH SCARES

In the past, Winnie has had some health scares of her own. In 2010, she was diagnosed with ulcers after falling on stage during a performance. "I am a survivor. I can overcome anything,' she says.  "When you know you have a medical condition, it's important to stick to your treatment and take care of yourself. With my ulcers,I know they are triggered by me being upset or angry. I try and stay positive and happy all the time. When I feel upset, I go to sleep,' she says.