As far as long-standing sibling solidarity goes in the entertainment industry, the Ranaka sisters – Dineo, Manaka, and Mpumi – have long been the epitome of picture-perfect sisterly affection. However, behind the scenes, their relationship has weathered its fair share of storms.Zimoja reported that in a recent episode on the Festive Get-Together show, the trio confessed to a year-long period of silence that only broke at their father’s 80th birthday celebration. “This year has tested our bond,” Mpumi admitted.

Despite their carefully crafted public image of perfect sisterhood, the Ranakas conceded to facing hurdles in their sibling dynamics. Yet, amidst the turmoil and “unresolved issues,” they still found their way back to each other during their father’s birthday celebration. “We have just started talking slightly after a year of not speaking because of our dad,” Manaka stated.“God works in mysterious ways. We were not talking when my dad turned 80,” Manaka recalled. We arrived, ate and at the end of the birthday lunch, we were talking. We didn’t even bicker, as one would expect. At the end of that evening, everyone was in tears, we were talking and bonding . Yes, there are some unresolved issues, but we love each other, after all, we are siblings.”The sisters spoke candidly about the pressures of fame and personal struggles, acknowledging how complicated it could be having to navigate these issues under the public eye. Manaka, who fiercely defended her sister Dineo from social media trolls not long ago when she had a mental breakdown and had just been fired from Kaya 959, emphasised, “I will defend my sister even if we are not talking.”

This sentiment is not one-sided as the three Ranaka sisters, in spite of the year-long sister feud, remain committed to honouring their relationship in private, and also in public, even amidst their healing process . “We were not talking, and I won’t elaborate as to why,” Manaka expressed. “This was so huge for us. But the way it worked itself out is important to me.”