Johannesburg – The African National Congress (ANC) has announced the sudden passing of its Gauteng spokesperson, Mzikayifani “Mzi” Khumalo.
In a statement on Monday, 10 August 2026, the ANC said it was saddened by the passing of Mzi Khumalo.
“We mourn not only a comrade and colleague, but a committed servant of the movement whose contribution, warmth and dedication will remain etched in our organisational memory,” the ANC said.
“We extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo family, comrades, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with Cde Mzi.”
Premier Panyaza Lesufi said he has learnt with profound sadness of the passing of Khumalo, former Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, who he said, “passed away following a short illness”.
Affectionately known as “Mzi”, he dedicated much of his life to public service and the development of local government in Gauteng.
Khumalo served as Mayor of the then Randfontein Local Municipality from 2015 to 2016 and subsequently became Executive Mayor of the newly established Rand West City Local Municipality, a position he held until 2019.
In May 2019, Khumalo was elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, where he served as Chief Whip of the majority party until October 2022.
Khumalo was later appointed MEC for COGTA, e-Government, Research and Development, serving in the Executive Council from October 2022 until June 2024.
At the time of his passing, Khumalo was serving as Chairperson of the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on COGTA, a responsibility he carried with dedication and a deep sense of duty to the people of Gauteng.
“He served the people of this province selflessly,” said Premier Lesufi.
“He understood that public service is about listening to people’s concerns, responding to their needs and working to build communities in which people can live with dignity and hope.
“His absence will be deeply felt in the work of ensuring that municipalities remain accountable, responsive and focused on delivering services to the communities they serve.”
Premier Lesufi extended his condolences to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, friends and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and contribution to public life.
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, friends and all those who knew and worked with him,” the premier said.
“We hope that, in this difficult time, you will find comfort in knowing that his life had meaning, that his service mattered and that he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the people and institutions he served.”
