ANC leaders have expressed a deep sense of loss following the passing of the party’s Gauteng spokesperson, Mzi Khumalo, who was laid to rest in Ruimsig, Johannesburg, on Saturday. Deputy President Paul Mashatile added his voice, describing Khumalo as a true servant of the people.
“Comrade Mzi, as he was affectionately known, was a true servant of the people whose life was defined by humility, dedication and unwavering commitment to the betterment of his community and our nation,” said the Deputy President.
“Throughout his service in government, Mr Khumalo embodied the values of service and stewardship. His work touched many lives, and his example will continue to inspire future generations to place the needs of the people above self-interest,” he said.
ANC convener of the National Executive Committee deployees to Gauteng, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who worked with Khumalo from the early days of their political careers in Cosas, praised him for his contribution to managing factions in the province.
“We decided as ANC deployees that a highly contested provincial conference was not in the interest of the movement, so we said there must be consensus, and Comrade Mzi was my first point of call,” said Ntshavheni.
Fellow Gauteng Provincial Task Team member Tasneem Motara, who is the province’s MEC for Housing, spoke of how she was mentored by Khumalo, whom she likened to an older brother. She also revealed that she met her husband through Khumalo.
“I have lost not just a comrade. I have lost not just a colleague, but a brother, a loved one, someone who did not just support my growth in politics but someone who taught me the importance of family. I’m going to miss the trips, the phone calls, the visits and the many great times we had,” said Motara.
Khumalo served in various roles, including as Chief Whip in the provincial legislature, as an MEC and as the inaugural mayor of the West Rand, known then as Rand West.