The DA expressed concerns over the state of CoE recreational facilities, revealing that more than 70% of public swimming pools remain closed.

It said it was unsurprised, pointing to years of neglect by the city that have allowed parks, sports facilities, community centres, and swimming pools to deteriorate.

“These facilities are not simply nice-to-haves. They are vital for the social fabric of the city. With innovative thinking and the right leadership, they could even help Ekurhuleni out of its revenue crisis, “said Clr Mike da Silva, the DA CoE spokesperson on Sports, Heritage, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SHRAC).

The DA is demanding a joint meeting between the SHRAC Committee and the Finance Oversight Committee to scrutinise the SHRAC’s role in the city’s revenue enhancement strategy and ensure residents can again enjoy its recreational spaces.

The city has defended the widespread closures by citing its weak financial position.

However, the DA has criticised this reasoning, highlighting that poor fiscal management and a lack of political will lie at the root of the crisis.

In the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, the SHRAC department failed to spend more than R1m allocated for aquatics paint and turf maintenance, blaming procurement challenges.

“A further R12m earmarked for facilities’ maintenance went unspent because consultants went unpaid.

“Prudent financial and asset management would have saved our pools from complete collapse. The inability to procure simple items should never be a reason for denying residents access to public amenities,” Da Silva added.

The party also criticised the city for wasting hundreds of millions of rands on the controversial SAAME building project and other poorly conceived ventures, while neglecting investments in infrastructure that could improve residents’ quality of life.

“Cities are not only meant to be places where people live; they should also be where people flourish. This coalition government is failing our communities, and the DA will not relent in building a functional city,” said Da Silva.

In a recent statement, Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza indicated that the city might allocate a budget for the maintenance of libraries, sports and recreational facilities and pools.

“We are in talks with the premier and stakeholders about the facilities in our space. Also, we want to upgrade, maintain and give some to communities and association to manage and run. The city is also looking at partnerships,” said the mayor.

Currently, the city has 11 pools open, and 26 pools that remain closed.