Xolani Khumalo - EWN

Xolani Khumalo, ActionSA Mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni with Funzi Ngobeni, ActionSA Gauteng leader, inside the Katlehong police station. Picture: Thabiso Goba/EWN

Media personality Xolani Khumalo is best known for confronting suspected drug-dealers on TV-programme Sizok’thola. The 36-year-old was born and raised in Thembisa. He is described as a crime prevention and anti-drug activist.

Khumalo has made the crime-fighting aspect of Sizok’thola part of his mayoral campaign. His priority is to “reclaim our streets” to ensure businesses have better trading conditions with a capable workforce.

Khumalo has vowed to take his ‘drug-fighting’ initiatives to the City Hall - offering to root out corrupt politicians in the same manner. He plans to establish an independent anti-corruption unit that will conduct widespread lifestyle audits and review “every single contract”. He’s also joined the call in offering improved access to basic services, healthcare, and job opportunities.

Khumalo faces several legal issues over incidents that occurred while taping Sizok’thola. This includes murder charges for a 2023 matter, which has been provisionally withdrawn. Khumalo’s party has defended his lack of municipal governance, stating Khumalo represented the “everyday realities that politicians prefer to outsource to slogans”.