With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Ward 93 residents can get to know the candidates vying to represent their community. Meet the candidates, learn more about their priorities and find out what they hope to achieve if elected as ward councillor.

All candidates were invited to submit responses to questions. The responses published below are included here. This article will be updated as further candidates submit their responses.

Surburbs include: Paulshof, Magaliessig, Sunninghill, Barbeque Downs, Pine Slopes AH (Agricultural Holdings), Palm Lands AH, Jukskei areas.

Ward 93 Candidate Lawrence Manaka

A. In one sentence, who are you?
I am Lawrence Manaka, a 23-year-old economics and political science graduate, researcher and communications lead at the RISE Mzansi Gauteng provincial legislature, committed to building a more accountable, capable and responsive government.

B. What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
Ward 93 is plagued by an absence of leadership and political will, which sits at the centre of many of its challenges. Residents face persistent traffic-light outages, ageing and failing water infrastructure, slow and inadequate responses from the city, the rapid growth of informal settlements, and a worrying lack of decisive action to address these problems.

C. What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
Ward 93 needs present, proactive and responsive leadership. Even from outside council, I have worked with resident associations to escalate issues, pressure those responsible to act, and demand that residents are engaged. I have pushed the mayor and city to confront the growth of informal settlements and led efforts, in collaboration with the province, to address the environmental hazard at Lonehill next to CTM. In many respects, I have already been a shadow councillor in waiting. Given the opportunity to serve in council, I will use every legislative and oversight mechanism available to fight for Ward 93.

D. What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
The misconception is that small parties cannot be effective. RISE Mzansi has demonstrated that political impact is not determined by the size of a caucus, but by the quality of its leadership and its willingness to act. We are a government in action and a government in waiting.

E. Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, what should they address first?
Water infrastructure, functioning streetlights and a credible city budget must be immediate priorities. We need to end creative accounting, restore accountability and ensure city officials and entities deliver for residents.

Also read: Ward 94 open day brings municipal services and local business boost to Fourways Mall

Ward 93 Candidate Councillor Tracy Kensey

A. In one sentence, who are you?
I’m a community activist with a hands-on approach to public safety, environmental care, and municipal infrastructure management. My passion for public service drives me to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard and that we work together to create a vibrant, safe and inclusive environment.

B. What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
Ward 93 is beset with several informal settlements, illegal foreign nationals, illegal businesses and traders, infrastructure vandalism, and inconsistent by-law enforcement. There is a marked deterioration of the water infrastructure, regular pipe bursts as well as sewage spills, which end up in the local rivers. The subsequent delay in reinstatements poses a safety issue to all residents.

C. What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
Documenting the frequency of these issues, together with references, is imperative. So too is the recording of reports/meetings with entities. Due to the city’s poor financial control, public/private partnerships have become essential to fixing the ward.

D. What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
A common misconception about the DA is that we only care about certain communities or people who are better off. I believe that is changing. At its heart, the DA is about making government work for everyone, whether you live in a suburban complex, a township or a rural community. People desire the same outcomes. They want a job, safe streets, reliable water and electricity, good schools, and a government that listens when something goes wrong. The DA’s focus is on delivering those things, regardless of who you are or where you come from

E. Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, in your opinion, what issue/issues should they address first?
Helen [Zille] will need to tackle the city’s water crisis due to the aged and crumbling infrastructure. To stabilise the city’s finances, Helen will need to do a full financial audit and stamp out corruption in local government. Once budgets are ringfenced, infrastructure rebuilding can be planned.

Other candidates are encouraged to email the editor, Aimee McGill at aimeed@caxton.co.za.