With the 2026 local government elections approaching, Ward 74 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.

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Ward 74 suburbs include:

The ward includes Birdhaven, Birnam Park (Birnam), Bramley, Bramley Gardens, Highlands North, Melrose, Melrose North, Orchards, Savoy Estate, Waverley, Bagleyston, Cheltondale (including Cheltondale Extensions 1, 2 and 3), Gresswold and Winston Ridge.

Ward councillor 74 DA candidate Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku

In one sentence, who are you?
I am Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, a mom, wife, community activist, second-term Councillor, DA Ward 74 candidate and DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, committed to serving residents and delivering practical solutions.

What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
Our ward is experiencing prolonged water and electricity outages, potholes, sewer leaks and ageing infrastructure. Illegal building and land use remain significant challenges, while the City’s slow response to reported issues continues to frustrate residents and delays much-needed solutions.

What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor of your ward?
I have already started robust engagements with the City’s municipal entities to identify and implement practical solutions. I will continue putting pressure on officials through regular oversight inspections, particularly around sewer, water, electricity and road infrastructure, ensuring that officials see problems first-hand and take responsibility for resolving them. I have also initiated requests for infrastructure upgrades in individual suburbs. We have already seen some positive results, and I intend to build on this work during the next term.

What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that the DA is a party only for white people, or that it does not represent poor or middle-class South Africans. I am a testament to the DA’s values of freedom, fairness, opportunity and diversity. I represent a diverse ward that remains predominantly white, yet I went through the DA’s democratic candidate-selection process and scored higher than the incumbent at the time. Residents trusted that process and voted for me. I continue receiving positive feedback from residents across our communities.

Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, what should they address first?
They should deliver on our manifesto priorities: fixing the basics – water, electricity and roads, with potholes being a major concern.

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