For young gymnasts training at Golden Lions Gymnastics Club in Newlands, the biggest challenge is not mastering routines.
It’s dealing with smoke drifting into their training hall from a neighbouring abandoned swimming pool that has become an illegal dumping hotspot. The derelict Johannesburg Property Company (JPC)-owned property on Italian Road regularly sees waste set alight, sending smoke into the gymnastics club where children train throughout the week.

Golden Lions Gymnastics head coach Claudia Coreejes said the smoke has become a recurring problem that affects both the children’s health and their ability to train. “When the fires are burning, smoke drifts into our facility, affecting the air quality and creating an unhealthy environment for physical activity. The smoke also disrupts training, as it becomes difficult for athletes to perform at their best.”

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Coreejes said there have been occasions where training sessions had to be cancelled, postponed, or adjusted because conditions inside the gym became unsafe. “These disruptions affect the children’s development, preparation for competitions, and the consistency of their training.”

Parents have also voiced concerns about the impact on their children’s wellbeing, while young gymnasts have complained about the smell and smoke entering the building. “The smoke leaves a black residue on the surfaces, which gets onto the children’s hands, feet, and clothing.”

Years of exposure has also damaged the club’s facilities. Coreejes said repeated deep cleaning has permanently discoloured and worn the carpets, while coaches and the caretaker often carry out additional cleaning themselves because the club cannot afford the ongoing maintenance costs.

Ward 82 councillor Marilyne Smouse said the abandoned swimming pool has remained a concern since last year, with residents regularly reporting illegal dumping, waste fires, and other suspicious activity. She said discussions with JPC began after an accelerated service delivery visit to the site, but despite Pikitup cleaning the area almost every week, the dumping returns within days.

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Rather than leaving the site abandoned, Smouse believes it should be transformed into something that benefits the community, such as a skills development hub where the youth can learn practical trades. She added that any future development should prioritise the needs of Newlands’ residents, and create opportunities for young people. Smouse said the neglected property also sends the wrong message to the children and families visiting the neighbouring gymnastics club.

JPC acknowledged the publication’s media enquiry and said it is gathering and confirming the necessary information before providing a formal response.

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