Sal Masekela opens first township pool in KwaDukuza

The children of Shaka’s Head had the rare opportunity to swim with Sal Masekela, the 2019 Ballito Pro ambassador, last Sunday.

Masekela, the son of South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela, visited the township for the official opening of the first township swimming pool in KwaDukuza on Sunday.

The 1.3 million rand pool was built by the municipality last year and funded by the IFA group with the aim of introducing swimming into the townships to decrease drownings at the local beaches.

Masekela urged Shaka’s Head residents to make use of the pool.

“I used to swim in a small pool like this, which helped me to become the person I am today. Surfing really changed my life and I am now invited to surfing events all over the world. You too can make this your start,” said Masekela, who started surfing at the age of 16.

KwaDukuza municipality speaker Phumlile Zulu asked residents to take care of the 1.8 metre deep, 13 metre long and eight metre wide facility and of course to not be afraid to use it.

“We need to understand, to get something we do not have, we don’t need to destroy what we have. It would be heart breaking to one day hear that this pool was vandalized because residents were unhappy about something else. So I humbly request that you take care of this pool and know that it can lead to the development of future swimming stars,” said Zulu.

Shaka’s Head councillor Mlamuli Ndlela said there would be swimming classes for those who wanted to learn how to swim, a lifeguard on duty daily and 24 hour security.

To ensure that there will not be overcrowding at the pool, Ndlela said residents would have to book the pool if they wanted to come in groups, for special occasions, like pool parties.

“People must also understand that the primary reason for this pool is to help children learn how to swim and not only children from Shaka’s Head, but from KwaDukuza as a whole,” said Ndlela.

Going forward, KDM spokesperson Sipho Mkhize said swimming pools for other townships were in the pipeline but he could not yet confirm where or when this would be done.