Three leading candidates in Cape Town’s Ward 72—DA’s incumbent Kevin Southgate, GOOD’s Ian Douglas Williams, and ACDP’s Gillian Verona Walker—have highlighted safety, service delivery, and youth opportunities as key issues ahead of the 4 November 2026 local elections.
Kevin Southgate, who has served as ward councillor for 12 years and been involved in local civic work for three decades, emphasises the need for reliable basic services, safer public spaces, and infrastructure upkeep. “I believe in being accessible, accountable and persistent in finding solutions,” Southgate said in a profile published by Southern Mail on 26 October.
GOOD candidate Ian Douglas Williams, also known as Majdi, outlined crime, gangsterism, drug abuse, unemployment, and high utility costs as pressing concerns. He advocates for regular ward consultations and transparent feedback. “I offer structured, hands-on leadership focused on practical solutions, not empty promises,” Williams stated.
Gillian Verona Walker of the ACDP focuses on fair housing allocation, safer parks, tutoring and skills development programmes, small-business growth, and cleaner neighbourhoods. She also pledged to push for accessible victim support services for survivors of crime and gender-based violence.
The Electoral Commission confirmed 40 candidates from 40 parties contest the Ward 72 ballot, which it published on 16 September 2026. However, the contest largely converges around safety and service challenges affecting residents.
The wider context of the campaign reflects citywide concerns over crime, youth unemployment, and community deterioration. On 11 September, a Big Local Government Dialogue held by the Cape Forum in Bellville brought political parties together to discuss crime prevention strategies including job creation, policing reforms, and community services.
Local leaders have voiced the need for employment opportunities to reduce crime, especially among young people. Activist Fadiel Adams said at the Bellville meeting, “If you want to reduce crime in the City of Cape Town create employment opportunities and in our case for the Coloured children who have long been marginalised. Give our children jobs before the gangs do.” Former DA leader Mmusi Maimane added, “We need to fix our communities. If families are dysfunctional, our young people will be dysfunctional.” These remarks reinforce the priorities highlighted by Ward 72 candidates.
Ward 72’s election campaign should be seen as part of a wider Cape Town conversation about how to improve safety, infrastructure and economic prospects for youth amid growing social pressures. Independent verification confirms candidate profiles and official ballots but details such as in-person debates or voter sentiment remain unverified at this stage.
The Cape Flats News will continue monitoring the Ward 72 race for developments on community responses and election outcomes as votes are counted.