With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Ward 104 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.

The areas include Bryanston (part), Ferndale (part), Strijdompark, Fontainebleau, Malanshof, Kensington B, Beverley Gardens, Vandia Grove, Daniel Brink Park and Bryanbrink.

Dumisani Madi, a candidate for Ward 104

In one sentence, who are you?
I am Dumisani Madi, a young entrepreneur, social activist and Business Management graduate committed to building a safer, cleaner and more prosperous Ward 104.

What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
The key issues include service delivery challenges, the maintenance of roads, parks and public spaces, community safety, support for local businesses, youth unemployment and the need for stronger communication between residents and the City of Johannesburg.

What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
I would prioritise establishing an accessible and responsive ward office, strengthening partnerships between residents, SAPS, JMPD, CPF, private security and community organisations, and implementing regular clean-up and public-space maintenance initiatives. I would also focus on supporting local businesses, creating youth development opportunities and ensuring municipal problems are reported, tracked and followed through until resolved.

What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
One misconception is that political parties and councillors are only interested in communities during elections. I believe leadership must be measured by consistent engagement, accountability and action throughout the entire term.

Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, what issue should they address first?
The first priorities should be improving basic service delivery, strengthening municipal accountability, addressing infrastructure and maintenance backlogs, improving financial management and making Johannesburg safer, cleaner and more responsive to its residents.

Emi Koekemoer, a DA candidate for Ward 104

In one sentence, who are you?
I am councillor Emi Koekemoer, current councilor and candidate for the upcoming local government elections for Ward 104 in Johannesburg.

What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
The biggest issues facing Ward 104 currently is a lack of service delivery from entities coupled with slow reaction time to issues raised by residents. On top of that, a lack of law and order. Visible policing is non-existent and public spaces are overrun by by-law infringements, leaving residents feeling unsafe and uncertain.

What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
Inserting councilors in service delivery processes as watchdogs ensures accountability, but only to a point. We need a complete change in government. My aim for the next five years will be rebuilding Community Policing Forums and public/private partnerships to ensure the ward thrives on all levels, especially in keeping residents safe and raising property values.

What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
A common misconception is that when a party has an elected representative in a ward they automatically govern the area. A ward does not have a separate budget or separate depots run by the DA. We all remain dependent on how the ruling coalition (in this case the ANC, EFF, PA and up until recently Action SA) runs the city. Vote DA on both ballots.

Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, what issue should they address first?
Without a doubt fix the city’s broken billing system. You can’t run a city or plan a budget on estimated figures. Then fix the basics people pay for. Water, electricity, roads, refuse, public spaces. All of this attracts investment and creates real jobs.

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