By 
JOHANNESBURG — In recognition of a career defined by public service and local governance reform, President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially granted a Special Provincial Official Funeral Service (Category 2) for the late former Gauteng Member of the Executive Council (MEC), Mzikayifane “Mzi” Elias Khumalo.
The decision follows a formal request by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi to honour Khumalo’s contributions to the province and its citizens.
Khumalo passed away on Monday, 10 August 2026, following a short illness. At the time of his death, he was serving as a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (MPL) and held the pivotal role of Chairperson for the Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).
Flag at Half-Mast Across Gauteng
As part of the official state recognition, President Ramaphosa directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast across Gauteng Province on the day of the funeral as a mark of respect for Khumalo’s service.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, 15 August 2026, beginning at 08h30 at Ruimsig Stadium in Ruimsig. Khumalo will subsequently be laid to rest at the Heroes Acre in West Park Cemetery.
FUNERAL SERVICE DETAILS
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Date: Saturday, 15 August 2026
Time: 08h30
Venue: Ruimsig Stadium, Hole-in-One Avenue, Ruimsig
Burial: Heroes Acre, West Park Cemetery
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A Legacy Grounded in Local Governance
Khumalo’s political trajectory was closely tied to local municipal administration and provincial oversight. Before joining the provincial legislature, he played a central role in West Rand local government structures:
- Randfontein Local Municipality: Served as Mayor from 2015 to 2016.
- Rand West City Local Municipality: Led as Mayor from its establishment in 2016 through to 2019.
- Gauteng Provincial Government: Served as MEC for COGTA before transitioning back to legislative committee leadership.
Premier Lesufi praised Khumalo for his commitment to public integrity and municipal reform, noting that his leadership in provincial and municipal governance left a lasting imprint on local administration across Gauteng.
