Former Randfontein mayor and inaugural Executive Mayor of Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) Mzikayifane ‘Mzi’ Elias Khumalo has died at the age of 54.

Khumalo, who was a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), died in the early hours of August 10.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature announced his death, describing it as an ‘untimely’ loss to the Legislature, the people of Gauteng, the ANC, the communities of the West Rand, and his family, friends and colleagues. Gauteng ANC leadership and the Gauteng Provincial Government also confirmed Khumalo’s passing on their official X accounts.

According to a statement issued on behalf of the acting speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, Khumalo was serving as chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee, a position he assumed in 2024.

From Randfontein to provincial leadership

Born on January 1, 1972 in Witstinkhoutboom, now known as Badirile in Randfontein, Khumalo’s political journey began in the student and youth movements of the 1980s and early 1990s.

He was a leader in COSAS in Mohlakeng and subsequently served in various ANC Youth League and ANC structures, including the Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee and leadership structures on the West Rand.

His public service journey included serving as a councillor in the Randfontein Transitional Local Council, Political Advisor to the Executive Mayor of the West Rand District Municipality and Political Advisor to the Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

Khumalo later served as speaker of Randfontein Local Municipality, Executive Mayor of Randfontein and the inaugural Executive Mayor of Rand West City Local Municipality.

A career dedicated to public service

In 2019, he was elected to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and served as Chief Whip of the ANC Caucus and Majority Party.

In 2022, he was appointed MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, e-Government, Research and Development in the Gauteng Provincial Government.

Following the 2024 provincial elections, Khumalo returned to the Legislature and was appointed Chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee, a position he held until his passing.

As chairperson of COGTA, he brought his extensive local government experience to the work of parliamentary oversight.

Under his leadership, the Committee intensified its scrutiny of municipal financial management, audit outcomes, governance and service delivery, with particular attention to water, electricity, infrastructure, revenue collection and municipal financial sustainability.

Tributes for veteran West Rand leader

Mhlakaza-Manamela said Khumalo’s passing had left a profound void in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature.

“He was a committed parliamentarian and an experienced local government leader who understood that public service must ultimately improve the lives of our people,” said Mhlakaza-Manamela.

“As chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee, he approached his responsibilities with seriousness, discipline and a deep understanding of the challenges facing municipalities. He was never afraid to ask difficult questions, demand accountability and ensure that communities remained at the centre of our oversight work,” she added.

Mhlakaza-Manamela said Khumalo’s passing was a loss to the Legislature and to the democratic institutions and communities to which he dedicated his life.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature extended its condolences to the Khumalo family, his loved ones, comrades, colleagues and friends, as well as the communities of Mohlakeng, Randfontein, Rand West City and the broader West Rand.

ANC Gauteng Provincial Task Team coordinator, Sochayile ‘Socks’ Khanyile, said in a statement that, “We dip our revolutionary banner in honour of comrade Mzikayifane ‘Mzi’ Khumalo. A son of Mohlakeng, a product of the student and youth movement, a loyal servant of the ANC and a leader who dedicated his life to the cause of freedom and the betterment of our people. Hamba kahle, comrade Mzi. Lala ngoxolo, Qabane. Your contribution to our movement and our country will endure in the collective memory of our people. May his revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace.”

The Legislature further called on the public and all stakeholders to respect the privacy of the Khumalo family during this difficult period.

Details regarding memorial and funeral arrangements will be communicated once confirmed in consultation with the family.