Gauteng Government officials joined comrades, family members and the West Rand community in paying final respects to former MEC Mzikayifane Elias “Mzi” Khumalo in a Special Provincial Official Funeral.
The Category 2 was granted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in recognition of Khumalo’s contribution to government and the people of the province.
The honour was approved after a request by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, acknowledging Khumalo’s years of dedicated public service.
As a mark of respect, the national flag was flown at half-mast across Gauteng during the funeral.
Khumalo was laid to rest at the Heroes Acre at West Park Cemetery on Saturday (August 15), where family, friends, political leaders, government officials and members of the public gathered to pay their final respects.
The former Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) passed away on 10 August 2026 after a short illness.
At the time of his passing, he was serving as a Member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and chaired the Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
During his career in public office, Khumalo held several leadership positions, including serving as Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, where he was instrumental in advancing local government and governance initiatives across the province.
Before joining the Provincial Legislature, he served as Mayor of the then Randfontein Local Municipality from 2015 to 2016. Following the establishment of Rand West City Local Municipality in 2016, he continued as Executive Mayor until 2019.
Tributes from political leaders, colleagues and community members described Khumalo as a humble and committed public servant who dedicated his life to serving the people of Gauteng. Many remembered him for his leadership, commitment to improving local government and his passion for community development.
Acting Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, added that Khumalo’s death leaves a “profound void” in the Legislature.“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.
The Special Provincial Official Funeral served as a fitting tribute to Khumalo’s legacy, honouring a leader whose contributions to local and provincial government will be remembered for years to come.
