In a move that signals a bold and contentious strategy for the 2026 local government elections, ActionSA has announced Xolani Khumalo, the controversial host of the anti-drug television show Sizok’thola, as its mayoral candidate for the crucial metro of Ekurhuleni. The announcement, made at a public gathering in Thembisa on Saturday, catapults a figure synonymous with populist, vigilante-style justice from the screen directly into the heart of South African politics.
Khumalo rose to national fame—and infamy—through his MojaLove show, Sizok’thola (We Will Find It), where he and his crew confront alleged drug dealers in dramatic, often confrontational, on-camera operations. The show tapped into a deep vein of public frustration over rampant drug abuse and perceived police inaction, earning him a reputation as a fearless community crusader. However, this reputation was severely scrutinized in 2023 following a tragic incident during filming that resulted in the death of an alleged drug peddler.
The fallout was immediate and severe. Khumalo was arrested and faced a litany of serious charges, including murder, robbery, and malicious damage to property. The case placed him and his methods under a harsh legal and ethical spotlight, raising questions about extra-judicial action and the line between citizen activism and criminality. While these charges were temporarily dropped, the cloud of controversy has never fully dissipated, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) retains the option to reinstate them.
A Calculated Political Gambit
ActionSA’s decision to select Khumalo is a high-stakes political calculation. By choosing him, the party is explicitly aligning itself with a brand of populist, law-and-order politics that resonates powerfully with communities feeling abandoned by the state. His candidacy is a direct appeal to voters who are desperate for tangible action against crime and drugs, and who may see traditional politicians as ineffective.
Herman Mashaba’s party is betting that Khumalo’s name recognition and his image as a “doer” will outweigh the legal and ethical controversies surrounding his methods. It is a strategy that seeks to channel public anger into electoral gain, positioning ActionSA as the party unafraid to take drastic measures to restore safety and order.
However, the gamble carries significant risks. Khumalo’s past ensures that his campaign will be dogged by questions about his fitness for high office. Political opponents are certain to frame him as a dangerous vigilante, unsuited for the nuanced and lawful responsibilities of governing a complex metropolitan municipality like Ekurhuleni. His candidacy guarantees a fiercely divisive and intensely scrutinized race, setting the stage for one of the most dramatic and personality-driven political battles of the 2026 election cycle.
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