WITH the 2026 Local Government Elections just around the corner, councillors will be elected for all district, metropolitan and local municipalities across the country’s nine provinces.

The Berea Mail took to the streets of Ward 31 to meet and greet some of the councillor candidates assigned by the different political parties to compete for the hot seat come the November 4 Local Government Elections.

The ANC in eThekwini has fielded Ahmed ‘Dees’ Kayalsum for the seat of ward councillor in Ward 31. The ward spans over Musgrave, Overport, Sydenham, and Asherville.

Kayalsum has been a community activist for 18 years, sits in the current Ward Committee, and is a Musgrave/Essenwood UIP steering committee member.

In his bag of promises, Dees commits to building a safer, cleaner and better managed Ward 31, “where residents are heard, municipal services are monitored, and every community receives fair and responsive representation”.

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“I will campaign for repairs to priority roads and pavements, stormwater drains and streetlights; and advocate for improved maintenance of parks and public spaces.

“Youth and economic development connect residents to training, employment, entrepreneurship and municipal support opportunities, that will also be an area of focus,” he said.

He promises accessible leadership, honest communication, and measurable progress for every community in Ward 31.

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