Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has, on behalf of the provincial government and residents, passed his condolences to the family of former MEC Mzikayifani Elias “Mzi” Khumalo, who passed away on Monday.
Khumalo served as the province’s MEC responsible for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), e-Government, Research and Development.
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Khumalo family, his colleagues, friends and all those who knew and worked with him.
“We hope that, in this difficult time, you will find comfort in knowing that his life had meaning; that his service mattered and that he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to live on in the people and institutions he served,” Lesufi said.
At the time of his passing, Khumalo was serving as Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on COGTA.
“He served the people of this province selflessly. He understood that public service is about listening to people’s concerns, responding to their needs and working to build communities in which people can live with dignity and hope.
“It is therefore particularly touching that Mzi’s passing comes on the eve of the Local Government Elections. He would have continued playing an important role in the oversight of the province’s municipalities as they prepared for a new local government term.
“His absence will be deeply felt in the work of ensuring that municipalities remain accountable, responsive and focused on delivering services to the communities they serve,” the Premier said.
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.
“His passing is a loss to this Legislature and to the democratic institutions and communities to which he dedicated his life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, comrades and colleagues,” Mhlakaza-Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
