With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Ward 98 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 Randpark Ridge (part), Boskruin, Fairland (part), Bromhof, Windsor Glen (part), Windsor West and Kelland.

Devon Steenkamp, a DA candidate for Ward 98

In one sentence, who are you?
I am Devon Steenkamp, the DA candidate for Ward 98, a serving Johannesburg councillor and a community activist who believes residents deserve a responsive councillor who gets things done.

What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
Ward 98 faces deteriorating roads and stormwater infrastructure, unreliable electricity and water supply, and declining municipal maintenance. Potholes, ageing infrastructure and repeated service interruptions affect residents and businesses daily. Many of these problems are made worse by a city administration that too often reacts to crises instead of maintaining infrastructure before it fails.

What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
My priorities would be roads and stormwater, electricity reliability and responsive representation. I would push for preventative maintenance, proper resurfacing of deteriorated roads and attention to stormwater hotspots. On electricity, I would continue working with City Power to identify vulnerable infrastructure, tackle illegal connections and reduce repeated faults. Most importantly, residents deserve a councillor who communicates, follows up and actively holds city departments accountable.

What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
A misconception is that councillors personally control municipal departments and budgets. Johannesburg is currently governed by an ANC-led coalition, while the DA serves in opposition. That does not mean we sit back: our job is to fight for communities, conduct oversight and hold those governing Johannesburg accountable.

Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, what issue should they address first?
If Helen Zille becomes mayor, the immediate priority must be restoring the basics: reliable water and electricity, repairing roads, enforcing by-laws and rebuilding a capable, accountable administration. Johannesburg needs to get the fundamentals working again before it can prosper.

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