Tembisa, South Africa — ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has officially announced Xolani Khumalo, the well-known host of the hard-hitting anti-drug television show Sizok'thola, as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The announcement took place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Dominion Life Cathedral in Tembisa, drawing thousands of enthusiastic supporters. Khumalo, 41, vowed to tackle Ekurhuleni’s deep-rooted challenges of crime, corruption, and poor service delivery through a comprehensive 10-point action plan.

A Plan for Change

Khumalo’s 10-point plan focuses on:

• Establishing an independent crime and anti-corruption unit to clean up the metro.
• Enhancing service delivery and ensuring consistent access to basic services.
• Driving economic development through local business support and job creation.
• Promoting ethical leadership and transparency in municipal governance.

He promised to bring “fearless and ethical leadership” to restore hope in communities suffering from years of neglect and inefficiency.

Leadership Endorsement

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba praised Khumalo’s leadership qualities and commitment to fighting social ills.

“Ekurhuleni, your ActionSA Mayoral Candidate is Xolani Khumalo — a fearless, ethical leader ready to reclaim the City from criminals, deliver basic services, and drive growth and jobs,” said Mashaba.

He emphasized that the party’s selection of Khumalo represents ActionSA’s renewed focus on accountability, safety, and action-driven governance.

Public Reaction

The announcement quickly trended on social media, with hashtags like #LetsFixEkurhuleni gaining momentum. Supporters hailed the move as “a step towards real change”, describing Khumalo as “the kind of leader South Africa needs.” However, some critics questioned his political experience, referencing his withdrawn 2023 arrest, though many dismissed it as a minor setback compared to his record of community activism.

Ekurhuleni’s Challenges

The City of Ekurhuleni continues to face mounting issues, including:

• Rising crime and drug-related violence.
• Poor infrastructure maintenance.
• Widespread unemployment and financial mismanagement.

ActionSA hopes that Khumalo’s appointment will help restore integrity and efficiency in one of Gauteng’s most important metropolitan municipalities.

Xolani Khumalo’s candidacy signals ActionSA’s determination to position strong, action-oriented leaders ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. With his bold reputation and commitment to fighting crime, Khumalo’s entry into politics may reshape the political landscape of Ekurhuleni.