LOCAL ELECTIONS 2026: ‘Battle of the DJs’ in Nelson Mandela Bay’s newly redrawn Ward 5
Nelson Mandela Bay’s newly redrawn Ward 5 is shaping up for a battle between two former DJs, with former radio DJ Daron Mann of the Democratic Alliance (DA) taking on former club DJ Renaldo Gouws of the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus).
The newly redrawn Ward 5 in Nelson Mandela Bay is set for a fierce election battle between two former DJs, Daron Mann from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Renaldo Gouws from the Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus). This highly contested ward is known for its iconic landmarks and persistent issues.
Ward 5 stretches from Russell Road and City Hall to Central, South End, Forest Hill, Humerail, Humewood, the beachfront, and parts of Summerstrand. It includes the Donkin Reserve, the Opera House, the Main Library, prime beaches, and Happy Valley.
The Democratic Alliance, traditionally strong in the area, is represented by Mann, while Gouws, a former DA councillor for Ward 2, is the FF Plus candidate. Both candidates are known for their outspoken nature. Gouws faced controversy in the past when racist remarks he made in 2009 resurfaced and led to his firing from the DA. Mann was also dismissed from Algoa FM in 2019 for comments about the dairy industry.
Both candidates have pledged to address safety concerns, failing infrastructure, bylaw enforcement, and the decline of Nelson Mandela Bay's tourism attractions. They have each highlighted specific issues and proposed solutions, such as increasing police visibility in tourist areas, infrastructure upgrades, aligning the ward's budget with residents' contributions, and ensuring proper bylaw enforcement.
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