On the weekend of December 7-8, 2024, Action for Accountability (A4A), a Lenasia-based advocacy organization, partnered with Atlantis Swimming Club and Lenasia Aquatics Sport Academy (LASA) to organize protests at two key swimming pool facilities in the area—the Extension 2 and Extension 5 pools. These protests, held on Saturday and Sunday, were a response to the closure of the pools, which have been essential to the community for training, fitness, and recreation.
Lack of Access and Official Response:
The protests, which drew a strong turnout from concerned community members, were a direct result of the ongoing inaccessibility of the Lenasia Extension 2 and Extension 5 swimming pools. Despite the efforts of Atlantis Swimming Club and LASA to maintain these facilities through private funding and repairs, both pools remain closed, leaving local swimmers with no training options. Moreover, no city official from the community development department attended either protest or responded to the letters submitted by the swimming clubs.
The Extension 2 pool, a heated facility largely supported by Atlantis Swimming Club, has been a central training ground for competitive swimmers. It was shut down following a complaint on October 19, 2024, when Atlantis swimmers were locked out of the facility. Despite multiple attempts to engage with local authorities, the pool remains closed, with no clear timeline for reopening or response to mediation requests.
The Extension 5 pool, which LASA relies on, is in an even worse state. The city had allocated R1.8 million for repairs and upgrades to the pool. However, the contractor who was awarded the tender has left the project incomplete, and the pool is now in a more dilapidated condition than before.
Financial Mismanagement and Community Frustration:
The closure of both pools has sparked significant community concern over the management of funds, particularly the R1.8 million earmarked for the Extension 5 pool. There are serious questions about how the money was spent, with no transparency on the contractors involved or any accountability for the failure to deliver on promised repairs.
The consequences of these closures are far-reaching. Local swimmers, especially youth athletes, are facing a severe disruption to their training schedules, preventing them from progressing in the sport. Many of these athletes were preparing for major competitions, such as the CGA Champs, and are now at risk of missing out on these milestones.
For the broader community, the lack of access to a public pool is also a loss of an affordable recreational facility. Swimming is a vital activity for fitness, especially for families who cannot afford private sports clubs or facilities. The pool closures disproportionately affect low-income residents, who rely on these public amenities for both health and recreation.
A Call for Accountability and Action:
The community's demand for accountability has grown louder, with a clear call for local authorities to step up and provide answers. There is strong support for the creation of a public-private partnership (PPP) or Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure proper management and long-term sustainability of the pools. Protesters are calling for transparency in the use of public funds, particularly the R1.8 million, and for a detailed breakdown of the work completed by the contractors.
Beyond the immediate issues with the pools, there is a growing concern about the broader neglect of youth development in the area. The pools are more than just facilities for swimming—they are spaces that keep young people active, engaged, and away from potential negative influences. The closure of these pools is seen as a significant loss to the development of future generations.
Political Pressure and the 2026 Elections:
One strategic element of the protests has been the plan to leverage political pressure in the lead-up to the 2026 local government elections. The community aims to hold local politicians accountable for their failure to address the pool closures, with the hope that by 2026, politicians will be forced to take action to resolve these ongoing issues.
Next Steps and Demands:
Looking forward, the community is calling for the following actions:
- Financial Transparency: A detailed financial breakdown of the R1.8 million spent on the Extension 5 pool's repairs.
- Contractor Accountability: Clarification on the contractors involved and the reasons for their failure to complete the upgrades.
- Clear Communication: A direct line of communication from local politicians and city officials regarding the state of the pools and plans for their repair.
- Legal Action: Community members are considering filing complaints with higher authorities, such as the Auditor General or Public Protector, to investigate the mismanagement of public funds.
- Ongoing Public Pressure: Continued media coverage and protests to keep the issue in the public eye and ensure that local government responds to the community’s needs.
The protests reflect the growing frustration within the Lenasia community, which is determined to hold local authorities accountable and ensure that future generations have access to the resources they need to succeed in sports and other community activities. The call for transparency, accountability, and better management of public facilities is not just about the pools—it’s about ensuring that these vital community spaces remain open, safe, and accessible to all.
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