Xolani Khumalo
On 10 November 2025, Xolani Khumalo was officially sworn in as a councillor for the ActionSA in the City of Ekurhuleni metro, a strategic move designed to give the party’s mayoral candidate governance experience ahead of the 2026 local elections.
ActionSA’s mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni, Xolani Khumalo, has officially been sworn in as a councillor in the metro, a strategic move by the party to prepare him for governance ahead of the 2026 local elections.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Ekurhuleni Council Chambers in Germiston, following the dismissal of two ActionSA councillors for poor performance. Their removal opened vacancies which were filled by Khumalo and fellow party member Gavin Siti.
Khumalo, best known for his community activism and bold stance against crime, acknowledged that he is new to municipal governance but said his appointment was based on his proven commitment to serving communities. “This opportunity was presented to me because of my track record, not because I know how council works or the policies,” he said.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba defended the decision, noting that governance experience can be developed through active participation, a principle he himself embodied when first becoming Johannesburg mayor.
Khumalo’s appointment marks an important step in ActionSA’s broader strategy to strengthen its footprint in Gauteng municipalities. It also positions him as a visible figure in the city’s decision-making structures ahead of the 2026 polls.
