Ekurhuleni Shake-Up: Xolani Khumalo Appointed MMC Despite Court Case

Nkosindiphile Xhakaza has reshuffled the City of City of Ekurhuleni mayoral committee, announcing a new executive line-up late on Tuesday night.

The changes, which took immediate effect on 17 February 2026, follow consultations with multi-party organisations represented in council. Thirteen of the sixteen political parties participated in the discussions, according to the mayor.

Governance Framework Anchors Government of Local Unity

Xhakaza said the appointments are guided by an agreed Ekurhuleni Governance Framework aimed at strengthening the Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity (EGLU).

“An agreed-upon Ekurhuleni Governance Framework was widely accepted to guide the work of the executive. This framework is a foundation to strengthen a sustainable Ekurhuleni Government of Local Unity (EGLU),” said Xhakaza.

“Coalition partners must commit to the shared values, stability, accountability, ethics, integrity, community participation, good governance, respect for the constitution and the rule of law, social justice and equity, human dignity, non-racialism and non-sexism.

“The Ekurhuleni Governance framework is anchored under the principles of cohesion, stability and people-centred government. The building of strong governance rooted in a pro-poor and people-centred agenda to provide services to the residents with responsiveness and agility.”

The newly appointed Members of the Mayoral Committee (MMCs) are set to be sworn in on Wednesday at the OR Tambo Government Precinct, Mayor’s Parlour.

Full List: New Ekurhuleni Mayoral Committee

The revamped executive includes:

Metro Utilities (Trading) Services: Cllr Jean Sthato

Metro Operations and Maintenance: Cllr Nomadlozi Nkosi

Human Settlements: Cllr Leshaka Manamela

Development Planning and Real Estate: Cllr Dino Peterson

Roads and Transport: Cllr Lindiwe Mnguni

Community Services and By-Law Enforcement: Cllr Xolani Khumalo

Community Safety: Cllr Mzayifani Ngwenya

Corporate Shared Services: Cllr Siphumule Ntombela

Infrastructure and Economic Development Agency (EDA): Cllr Thembi Msane

Finance and Strategy: Cllr Jongizizwe Dlabathi

The reshuffle is seen as an effort to stabilise governance in the metro and reinforce coalition cooperation.

ActionSA’s Khumalo Returns to Executive Amid Court Case

Among the appointments is Xolani Khumalo of ActionSA, who takes up the role of MMC for Community Services and By-Law Enforcement.

Khumalo has been involved in raids targeting suspected drug dens and is currently facing legal proceedings. He is expected to appear at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday after being granted bail of R2 000 last month.

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He faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) and pointing a firearm. The case relates to a police operation conducted last year at the home of a suspected drug dealer in Katlehong, where unlicensed ammunition was seized.

According to ActionSA, the suspect was later released and the firearm returned.

As the new executive prepares to take office, attention will likely focus on whether the reshuffle delivers the stability and service delivery improvements promised under the Government of Local Unity framework.