Citizens champion Action SA’s bold move to appoint Xolani Khumalo as Ekurhuleni’s mayoral candidate

by Nomonde Simelane

South Africans have turned their attention to the Herman Mashaba-led Action SA after Moja Love’s drug-busting host, Xolani Khumalo, was announced as their mayoral candidate in Ekurhuleni ahead of next year’s local elections.

With the general elections in the rearview mirror and local elections ahead, South Africa’s political arena has been anything but dull, to say the least, with each party making strategic moves to secure votes. After confidently ruling the country since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago, the African National Congress (ANC) fell below 40% during the 2024 general elections, resulting in it losing its outright parliamentary majority, and the birth of the government of national unity (GNU).

This was the first indication of a major shift in the country’s political sphere. Since then, matters have gotten more intense, with calls for better governance ringing louder each day. While citizens were already giving their leaders a side-eye, General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s explosive press briefing, where he implicated several officials in some alleged crime syndicates, sent citizens over the edge.

As a result, citizens took to social media to not only express their grievances but also highlight the need for change and better governance. This has resulted in the public discussing their options and who to vote for, particularly ahead of the upcoming local elections.

With leaders such as Nasiphi Moyo at the helm, Herman Mashaba’s Action SA has quickly emerged as a notable candidate for some, as their recent endeavours appear to align nicely with the frustrated members of the public. Their loud stance on illegal immigration, as well as their focus on service delivery, are among some of the reasons citizens have gravitated towards the fairly new organisation.

In an unexpected turn, the party announced TV personality Xolani Khumalo as their mayoral candidate, sending shockwaves throughout the country. After the shock died down and citizens were able to process the news, the response has been fairly positive.

It appears that the thought of Xolani, who has garnered a reputation for his important drug-busting work on Moja Love’s Sizok’thola, taking up Ekurhuleni’s top executive positions invokes some kind of thrill for some citizens who are pleading for better governance. After watching his attempt at ridding South Africa’s streets of drugs, some believe that the presenter is ready to serve the people on a bigger, and more official capacity.

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