Action SA NAMES TV Host Xolani Khumalo as Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate For 2026 Polls

Action SA names Khumalo as 2026 mayoral candidate.

by Mathipa Phishego

Popular television host and activist Xolani Khumalo has been officially announced as the ActionSA mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

The announcement was made during a media briefing held on Friday, where ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont described Khumalo as a leader of integrity and courage, capable of restoring service delivery and accountability in one of Gauteng’s most troubled metros.

Khumalo, best known for his investigative TV show Sizok’thola, said he was ready to transition from exposing corruption on screen to confronting it within government structures. “For years, I have been telling stories of ordinary South Africans suffering because of failed leadership. Now, I want to be part of the solution to bring back dignity to Ekurhuleni residents,” Khumalo said to applause from party supporters.

ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba praised Khumalo’s nomination, calling it a bold step toward ethical governance and part of the party’s broader strategy to field credible, community-rooted leaders in all major metros.

Khumalo’s candidacy is expected to energize ActionSA’s campaign in Ekurhuleni, where residents have long complained about unreliable service delivery, corruption, and financial mismanagement. The 2026 local government elections are anticipated to be highly competitive, with coalition politics likely to once again shape control of Gauteng’s municipalities.