On Saturday the pool was abuzz with activity. Children are eager to take a dip in pool to cool off.
“Nothing seems closer to ecstasy than a splash in the pool, especially during the sweltering months of summer.
“This is my fourth year of swimming and I am enjoying every moment of it,” said Mandisa Mashele.
However, to take a splash is not cheap. To escape from the heat, one has to part with R16 for entrance, this making many residents unhappy.
The area of Barberton has only one public swimming pool. The one in Cathyville, the closest place to cool off in the season’s unbearable heat for Emjindini residents, has been neglected for over 10 years.
“On top of the R16 we pay at the gate for entrance, one has to also to fork out an extra R20 for taxi fare to and from the pool. This is costly because we also have to buy snacks to entertain ourselves,” said Linda Shiba.

Read: Public swimming pool in disrepair

Many children in the area, whose parents can not afford to pay for them, are forced to swim in streams and rivers, regardless of the safety hazards.
The availability of a pool could prevent drowning incidents. It is unclear when the pool in Cathyville will be refurbished.
Joseph Ngala, City of Mbombela spokesman, could not be reached for comment at the time of going to press.