Gauteng ANC task team spokesperson and former MEC Mzi Khumalo has died.
- ANC Gauteng PPT spokesperson Mzi Khumalo died on Monday.
- In a statement, the ANC in Gauteng said Khumalo died after being rushed to hospital.
- The ANC hailed Khumalo for his service to the people of Gauteng.
Gauteng ANC task team spokesperson and former MEC Mzi Khumalo has died.
The ANC confirmed on Monday morning that Khumalo had died in the early hours of the day.
“Comrade Mzi unfortunately collapsed at his residence and was rushed to hospital for emergency medical treatment. Despite the best efforts of healthcare professionals, he sadly passed away in the early hours of Monday,” Gauteng provincial task team coordinator Sochayile Khanyile said in a statement.
“His sudden and tragic passing has sent shockwaves throughout the ANC and deprived our movement, the people of Gauteng and South Africa, of a seasoned cadre, principled leader and committed servant of the people.”
Khumalo served as Gauteng MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs before the May 2024 elections. After the ANC lost its majority in the province, he became chairperson of the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Committee in the provincial legislature.
Before his appointment as MEC, Khumalo served as the ANC’s chief whip in the Gauteng legislature. He was also formerly the executive mayor of the Randfontein Local Municipality.
His political career began in Randfontein through the Congress of South African Students. He later rose through the ranks of the ANC Youth League and served as deputy chairperson of the ANC West Rand region. Khumalo was also a member of the Gauteng ANC’s provincial executive committee.
Khanyile said:
The ANC Gauteng extends its deepest condolences to the Khumalo and Dladla family, his loved ones and all comrades and friends who mourn his passing. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Mohlakeng, the West Rand and Gauteng who have lost a leader whose life and service were deeply rooted in the communities he served.
“As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate a life dedicated to the ideals of the African National Congress and the National Democratic Revolution. Comrade Mzi belonged to a generation of cadres who understood that leadership was not measured by position, but by sacrifice, discipline and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our people.”
The ANC’s national leadership at Luthuli House also paid tribute to Khumalo, describing his death as a significant loss to both the party and the people of Gauteng.
In a statement, the ANC praised Khumalo’s lifelong commitment to public service and grassroots politics.
“Throughout these responsibilities, comrade Mzi remained closely connected to the communities from which he emerged. His political life reflected a sustained commitment to the ANC and to the institutions of democratic local and provincial government. The ANC conveys its heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo family, his friends, comrades and all those who worked alongside him. We extend our solidarity to them during this extraordinarily difficult time,” the party said.
Luthuli House said details regarding Khumalo’s memorial service and funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.
Bongekile Macupe
www.news24.com
