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EZEKIEL PHALANA
Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed profound sadness following the passing of former Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), e-Government, Research and Development, Mzikayifani Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, who died on Monday, 10 August 2026, following a short illness.
Khumalo dedicated much of his life to public service and the advancement of local government in Gauteng. His career included serving as Mayor of the then Randfontein Local Municipality from 2015 to 2016, before becoming 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. He was subsequently appointed MEC for COGTA, e-Government, Research and Development, serving in the Gauteng 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, where he continued to carry out his responsibilities with dedication and a strong sense of duty to the people of the province.
Premier Lesufi described Khumalo as a committed public servant who understood the importance of listening to communities and responding to their needs.
“He served the people of this province selflessly. 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,” said Premier Lesufi.
As Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on COGTA, Khumalo played an important oversight role in municipal governance, traditional affairs and local government compliance across Gauteng. His responsibilities included oversight visits to municipalities, engagements with local government structures and monitoring service delivery to communities.
His passing comes on the eve of the Local Government Elections, a period during which he would have continued contributing to the oversight of municipalities as they prepared for a new local government term.
Premier Lesufi said Khumalo’s absence would be deeply felt in efforts to ensure that municipalities remain accountable, responsive and focused on delivering services to communities.
The Gauteng Provincial Government has extended its deepest condolences to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, friends and all those whose lives were touched by his leadership and contribution to public life.
“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,” said Premier Lesufi.