Television crime fighter Xolani Khumalo is taking his anti-corruption crusade from the streets to the council chamber. Recently announced as ActionSA’s mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni in the 2026 elections, Khumalo has declared he will expose and remove corrupt officials with the same vigor he brings to his show, *Sizokthola*.
After attending his first council sitting, Khumalo expressed shock at the political dynamics, stating, “I saw how politicians protect their dirty laundry.” He issued a stark warning to those involved in misconduct: “I am going to expose the dirt, people are going to get fired, some are even going to get arrested.”
His primary focus as mayor would be to investigate the misuse of public funds. “My primary objective when I come in is to know where residents’ money went and who took it,” he said. He also pledged to use his own resources to investigate the murder of city auditor Mpho Mafole, whose death is believed to be linked to an audit report, in order to bring his family closure.
Khumalo, who also runs a mining company, pushed back against those who might dismiss him as just a “TV talent,” asserting his capability for the role. However, if elected mayor, he confirmed he would step away from filming *Sizokthola* to dedicate himself fully to public service, even offering to “teach the metro police how I do my work.”
His foray into politics comes after a controversial period; he previously faced murder charges for the death of a suspected drug dealer during a taping of his show, though the charges were later withdrawn.