With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Ward 72 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 answer the questions. The responses published below are included here. This article will be updated as further candidates submit their responses.

Ward 72 suburbs include:

The ward includes Dunhill, Fairmount, Fairmount Ridge (Extensions 1 and 2), Fairvale (including Extension 1), Glenhazel, Glenkay, Glensan, Linksfield, Linksfield North, Linksfield Ridge (Extension 1), Orange Grove (north of 14th Street), Percelia Estate (including its extension), Raedene Estate, Sandringham, Silvamonte (Extension 1), Sunningdale, Sunningdale Percelia, Sydenham, Talbotton and Viewcrest.

Ward councillor 72 DA candidate Daniel Schay

In one sentence, who are you?
I’m Daniel Schay, the incumbent DA councillor for Ward 72, and a structural engineering technologist who’s spent this term focused on service delivery and keeping residents informed.

What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
The three biggest issues facing Ward 72 right now are persistent water outages, a failing power grid and deteriorating road conditions.

What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
On water and electricity, the priority is accountability and faster repair turnaround. I’ve already built and deployed a WhatsApp-based ward reporting system so faults get logged, tracked, and escalated properly instead of disappearing into a call centre queue, and I’d push the city to adopt smarter repair programming so response times actually improve, not just get promised. On roads, I’d work to secure dedicated resurfacing partnerships – whether through ratepayer-funded initiatives or private-sector co-investment – rather than waiting on the city’s general maintenance budget. Communications stays central to all of it: residents should always know what’s being fixed, what’s delayed, and why.

What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
A common misconception is that the DA doesn’t prioritise the poor. In reality, DA-run metros consistently direct more resources toward indigent support and free basic services than ANC-run counterparts. The DA governs for the betterment of everyone, including and especially those who rely on the state most.

Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, in your opinion, what issue/issues should they address first?
Johannesburg’s biggest issue is it’s finances. The city is on the verge of bankruptcy and I think Helen Zille has made it very clear that cleaning up Joburg’s finances, so it can provide reliable services, is amongst her highest priorities.

Other candidates are encouraged to email the editor, Ashtyn Mackenzie, at ashtynm@caxton.co.za.