MEDIA STATEMENT – GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE MOURNS THE PASSING OF COGTA CHAIRPERSON HON. MZIKAYIFANE ‘MZI’ ELIAS KHUMALO

TO: ALL MEDIA

DATE: 10 AUGUST 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE MOURNS THE PASSING OF COGTA CHAIRPERSON HON. MZIKAYIFANE ‘MZI’ ELIAS KHUMALO

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has learnt with profound sadness of the untimely passing of Hon. Mzikayifane ‘Mzi’ Elias Khumalo, Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA).

Hon. Khumalo tragically passed away in the early hours of Monday, 10 August 2026. His passing is a profound loss to the Legislature, the people of Gauteng, the African National Congress, the communities of the West Rand, and his family, friends and colleagues.

At the time of his passing, Hon. Khumalo was serving as Chairperson of the COGTA Portfolio Committee, a position he assumed in 2024. He brought to the role decades of political, legislative and local government experience.

Born on 1 January 1972 in Witstinkhoutboom, now known as Badirile in Randfontein, Hon. 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.

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

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

As Chairperson of COGTA, Hon. Khumalo 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.

The Acting Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Hon. Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela,

said: “The passing of Hon. Mzi Khumalo has 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.

“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.

“His passing is a loss to this Legislature and to the democratic institutions and communities to which he dedicated his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades and colleagues.”

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

The Legislature calls 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.

Hamba kahle Mtungwa! May your soul rest in eternal peace!

ISSUED BY THE GPL’S MEDIA SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE ACTING SPEAKER HON. VUYO

MHLAKAZA-MANAMELA

For more information or interview requests, please contact: Ms Pfano Bulasigobo on 060 533 1982

GAUTENG PROVINCIAL LEGISLATURE