Who are the Ward 109 councillor candidates for 2026?

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 are included below. This article will be updated as further candidates submit their responses.

Suburbs in Ward 109 Morningside, Morningside Manor, Alexandra (portions, including areas such as Stjwetla), Atholl, Atholl Gardens, Barlow Park, Bramley, Buccleuch, Dennehof, Eastgate and its extensions, Edenburg, Gallo Manor, Glenatholl, Kelvin, Kelvin View, Khyber Rock, Kramerville, Lombardy, Marlboro, Marlboro Gardens, Sandown, Simba, Strathavon, Wendywood, Wesco Park, Wierda Valley, Woodmead, Woodlands, Wynberg, Frankenwald, Longlake and Jukskei View.

Elections content: Ward 109 Democratic Alliance councillor candidate

1. In one sentence, who are you?
I am Charlene McCord, a 38-year-old currently residing in Sandton. I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science and an honours degree in business management, while currently pursuing my master’s in public administration. I was actively involved in student politics, worked in the public sector, and am currently working as an HR specialist – a job I will soon have to say goodbye to to attend to the needs of my residents on a full-time basis.

2. What are the biggest issues facing your ward currently?
– Water infrastructure collapse resulting in supply cuts
– Electricity grid strain causing power outages
– Neglected road and stormwater maintenance.

3. What practical solutions would you prioritise should you be named councillor?
– Repair and maintenance of all municipal infrastructure
– Road calming measures on major arterial roads
– Overall maintenance of the road and ensure there are stormwater covers
– Upgrading of water pipe infrastructure
– Work on the maintenance budget.

4. What is one misconception about you or your party that you would clarify?
That the party is for white people only. The DA is the most diverse political party in SA. I will use my opportunity as ward councillor to also educate residents about this misconception. We are a party working for all, as proven in towns and cities where we already govern.

5. Should your party’s candidate be named mayor, what should they address first?
We have the utmost confidence in our party’s mayoral candidate to turn Johannesburg around, although it won’t be overnight. The rot has run too deep under the ANC-led coalition. Water and power outages need to be fixed by replacing outdated infrastructure; sewerage pipes need to be repaired, traffic lights across the city need to be fixed and refuse removal under Pikitup is a mess. Helen [Zille] has turned Cape Town into a world-class city, and we will be right behind her.

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