By 
JOHANNESBURG — Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has expressed profound sadness following the death of former Member of the Executive Council (MEC) and seasoned public servant Mzikayifani Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, who passed away on Monday, 10 August 2026, after a brief illness.
Affectionately known to colleagues and citizens simply as “Mzi,” Khumalo dedicated much of his life to public service, leaving behind a comprehensive legacy of leadership that spanned municipal governance, provincial executive administration, and legislative oversight.
A Career Grounded in Local Governance
Khumalo’s political journey was deeply rooted in local administration. He served as Mayor of the former Randfontein Local Municipality from 2015 to 2016, where he led early municipal coordination on the West Rand. Following municipal re-demarcations, he became the Executive Mayor of the newly established Rand West City Local Municipality, a position he held until 2019.
His strategic grasp of local government dynamics propelled him to the provincial political arena in May 2019, when he was elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Demonstrating strong party discipline and legislative leadership, Khumalo was appointed Chief Whip of the majority party, holding the post until October 2022.
In October 2022, Premier Lesufi appointed Khumalo to the Gauteng Executive Council as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), e-Government, Research, and Development. In this cabinet role, which he held until June 2024, Khumalo spearheaded initiatives aimed at modernizing public service delivery and strengthening municipal performance.
At the time of his passing, he served as Chairperson of the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on COGTA, continuing his life’s work of enforcing local government compliance and holding municipalities accountable.
“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.
A Void on the Eve of Local Elections
Khumalo’s passing comes at a crucial political juncture for Gauteng, arriving on the eve of the upcoming Local Government Elections. As Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Khumalo was actively leading oversight visits across municipalities in Gauteng, monitoring service delivery metrics, and engaging directly with local government structures.
Premier Lesufi noted the poignant timing of Khumalo’s death, emphasizing that his institutional knowledge and firm oversight would be deeply missed as the province prepares for a new local government term.
“It is therefore particularly touching that Mzi’s passing comes on the eve of the Local Government Elections. He would have continued playing an important role in the oversight of the province’s municipalities as they prepared for a new local government term. His absence will be deeply felt in the work of ensuring that municipalities remain accountable, responsive and focused on delivering services,” Lesufi added.
Premier Lesufi extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, and friends, stating that his life had meaning and his service leaves a lasting footprint across the province’s institutions.
