ANC Gauteng spokesperson Mzi Khumalo dies at 54 after collapsing at home
The African National Congress in Gauteng is mourning the sudden death of its provincial task team spokesperson, Mzikayifane Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, who passed away in the early hours of today, Monday, 10 August 2026, at the age of 54.
Khumalo collapsed at his residence and was rushed to hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he died, surrounded by family and friends. The ANC described his passing as sudden and tragic, sending “shockwaves throughout the ANC” and depriving the movement and the people of Gauteng of a seasoned cadre and committed public servant.
A veteran of local government and provincial politics, Khumalo previously served as executive mayor of the Randfontein Local Municipality (2015–2016) and as the inaugural executive mayor of the newly formed Rand West City Local Municipality (2016–2019). He later entered the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, serving as ANC chief whip before his appointment in October 2022 as MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, e-Government, and Research and Development under Premier Panyaza Lesufi. After the 2024 elections, he remained an MPL and chaired the legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Born on 1 January 1972 in what is now Badirile, Randfontein, and raised in Mohlakeng, Khumalo began his political involvement as a student activist in COSAS and the Mohlakeng Youth Congress before rising through the ANC Youth League and serving in regional and provincial structures, including as deputy chairperson of the ANC West Rand region.
The ANC Gauteng provincial task team and national structures have extended condolences to the Khumalo family. The family has requested privacy as they process the loss.