Key Takeaways
- Mzi Khumalo, former Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and ANC Gauteng PPT spokesperson, died suddenly after collapsing at his home.
- He was rushed to hospital, where he passed away in the early hours of Monday despite medical efforts.
- The ANC Gauteng praised his lifelong service, describing him as a principled leader and committed servant of the people.
- National ANC leadership at Luthuli House also mourned his loss, highlighting his dedication to grassroots politics and democratic institutions.
- Memorial and funeral arrangements will be communicated by the ANC in due course.
Announcement of the Passing
The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng confirmed on Monday morning that former Member of the Executive Council (MEC) Mzi Khumalo had died. According to the party’s statement, Khumalo collapsed at his residence and was immediately taken to a hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals, he succumbed to his condition in the early hours of the day. The announcement came as a shock to many within the ANC and the broader Gauteng community, prompting an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, friends, and constituents.
Statement from the Gauteng ANC Task Team
Sochayile Khanyile, the Gauteng provincial task team coordinator, released a formal statement on behalf of the ANC Gauteng. Khanyile expressed deep sorrow over Khumalo’s “sudden and tragic passing,” noting that it had sent shockwaves through the movement and deprived the province of a seasoned cadre and principled leader. He emphasized that Khumalo’s life was rooted in service to the people of Gauteng and South Africa, and that his loss was felt across the party, the legislature, and the communities he served.
Political Career and Public Service
Mzi Khumalo’s political journey began in Randfontein through the Congress of South African Students (COSAS). He subsequently rose within the ANC Youth League, serving as deputy chairperson of the ANC West Rand region. Before his appointment as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Khumalo held the position of ANC chief whip in the Gauteng legislature and had previously been the executive mayor of the Randfontein Local Municipality. After the May 2024 elections, in which the ANC lost its provincial majority, he was appointed chairperson of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Committee in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, a role that allowed him to continue influencing policy and oversight.
Roles as MEC and Legislative Leader
As Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Khumalo oversaw a portfolio critical to service delivery, municipal support, and the institution of traditional leadership. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen the relationship between provincial government and local municipalities, aiming to improve governance and resource allocation. Following the ANC’s loss of majority, his leadership of the provincial legislature’s committee on the same portfolio demonstrated his continued commitment to ensuring accountability and effective governance, even from an opposition stance within the legislature.
Tributes from ANC National Leadership
The ANC’s national headquarters at Luthuli House also issued a tribute, describing Khumalo’s death as a significant loss to both the party and the people of Gauteng. The statement highlighted his lifelong dedication to public service and grassroots politics, noting that he remained closely connected to the communities from which he emerged throughout his various responsibilities. The national leadership praised his sustained commitment to the ANC and to the institutions of democratic local and provincial government, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and all those who worked alongside him.
Community Impact and Legacy
Khumalo’s political roots in Mohlakeng and the broader West Rand meant that his work was deeply intertwined with the everyday lives of residents in those areas. Colleagues and community members repeatedly cited his accessibility, willingness to listen, and drive to address local challenges as hallmarks of his leadership. His passing has left a noticeable void in the ANC’s Gauteng structures and among the constituencies he served, prompting reflections on the importance of principled leadership grounded in sacrifice, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to improving livelihoods.
Future Arrangements and Continuing Mourning
Luthuli House indicated that details regarding Khumalo’s memorial service and funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course. The ANC urged members of the public and party structures to observe a period of mourning while celebrating Khumalo’s life and contributions. As the party processes this loss, messages of solidarity continue to flow from various sectors, underscoring the lasting impact of a leader whose career embodied the ANC’s ideals of service, accountability, and dedication to the National Democratic Revolution.