By Priya Ranchod
The City of Johannesburg has completed the first phase of reopening public swimming pools, with 15 facilities having their recruitment, compliance and maintenance issues addressed as part of efforts to make them accessible to residents.
According to a statement issued by the City on 8 October 2026, 13 swimming pools were listed as open to the public, with qualified lifeguards on standby. The facilities are spread across several regions, including areas in Soweto, Lenasia and Eldorado Park.
The reopened pools include Linden and Blairgowrie in Region B, Florida Lake in Region C, Jabulani New Pool, Orlando, Pimville and Meadowlands in Region D, Zoo Lake in Region E, Pioneer Park and Rhodes Park in Region F, as well as Lenasia South, Eldorado Park Extension 3 and Lenasia Extension 2, Greyville, in Region G.
The City also announced plans to reopen a further 10 swimming pools from Monday, 12 October. These include Rabie Ridge, Dobsonville, Davidsonville, Noordgesig, Jabavu, Paterson Park, Sydenham, Eastbank, Eldorado Park Extension 4 and Lenasia Extension 10.
The phased reopening follows delays in resolving outstanding recruitment, compliance and maintenance matters at the facilities.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Development, Councillor Thapelo Amad, acknowledged that the process had taken longer than expected but said the City was now on track to reopen more swimming pools.
The City said it would continue monitoring the readiness of swimming pool facilities and provide further updates as more venues become operational.
The reopening is expected to give residents greater access to public swimming facilities, particularly as warmer weather approaches. However, the availability of each pool will depend on its operational readiness and the completion of the necessary requirements.
Featured Advertiser: High Resolution Ad at this link
