Komani Deserves a Revived Public Pool — Mthatha Shows What’s Possible

The recent reopening of the long-neglected Mthatha public swimming pool has sparked renewed hope in communities across the Eastern Cape — including Komani, where residents say the same transformation could and should happen with the support of the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM).

After nearly a decade of deterioration, vandalism, and complete closure, Mthatha’s once-forgotten pool burst back to life last week as children, parents, and local officials filled the facility to celebrate its revitalisation. The project, undertaken by the King Sabata Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality, restored the pool’s structures, introduced new safety features, upgraded changing rooms, and rebuilt vital systems that had fallen into ruin.

For Komani residents, the scenes of young swimmers diving, laughing, and learning water-safety skills highlighted a painful truth: Komani once had the same potential — and could have it again.

A Vision Komani Could Share

Parents in Komani have long called for the rehabilitation of the town’s own public pool, which has suffered years of neglect, leaving schools, community groups, and local swimming clubs with limited options.

Local coaches say a public pool would not only provide recreation but also help reduce drownings, develop sporting talent, and keep young people active during school holidays.

Mthatha’s success story has now become a template of what is achievable with political will, funding, and a commitment to community wellbeing.

How Mthatha Turned a Ruin Into a Safe Haven

The KSD Municipality undertook a full refurbishment process to restore the Mthatha public pool after years of decay. The project included:

• a complete rebuild of filtration and circulation systems

• new perimeter fencing and 24-hour security

• upgrades to the main pool structure

• refurbished changing rooms and offices

• a redesigned children’s pool specifically for young swimmers

• protective measures to prevent vandalism and ensure long-term sustainability

When the facility reopened, hundreds of children — some as young as three — lined up to take their first swim in years. Seasoned instructors walked along the pool’s edge, teaching floating, kicking, and basic water-safety skills.

Local water-safety practitioners emphasised that swimming is more than a sport: it is a life-saving skill that reduces drownings and keeps young people engaged in positive activities during the festive season.

The atmosphere was festive, hopeful, and deeply emotional for families who had watched the pool stand empty for so long.

Komani Residents Ask: “Why Not Us?”

Community members say the Mthatha project proves that public swimming pools can be successfully restored, protected, and operated — even after many years of neglect.

Many believe that, with structured planning and adequate funding, the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality could deliver the same outcome for Komani.

Several local educators have also argued that a working public pool could support:

• Life Orientation curriculum requirements

• school swimming programmes

• water-safety training for young children

• development pathways for competitive swimmers

• safe holiday activities that reduce exposure to drugs and violence

Parents have voiced concern that, without accessible public facilities, children miss out on essential safety lessons that could save their lives in dams, rivers, and other water environments around Komani.

What Enoch Mgijima Could Learn From Mthatha

While Mthatha’s situation was complex, the municipality’s approach demonstrates a clear formula for success:

1. Secure the facility first

24-hour security and strong fencing were installed before refurbishment began, protecting the investment from vandalism.

2. Rebuild the core systems

The municipality prioritised filtration, pumps, and structural integrity — the backbone of a safe public pool.

3. Upgrade all user-facing areas

Changing rooms, offices, and children’s pools were modernised for safe, dignified public use.

4. Plan for sustainability

KSD is finalising tariffs that balance affordability with long-term maintenance.

5. Make it a community asset

The pool reopening was used as an awareness drive so residents understand that the facility belongs to them and must be protected.

These principles could serve as a blueprint for Enoch Mgijima should efforts to revive Komani’s own pool move forward.

A Chance for Komani’s Future Swimmers

Mthatha’s rebirth shows what is possible when municipal leadership, community involvement, and proper planning align.

If Komani were to follow the same path, the town could soon see children racing across the water, practicing floating techniques, and enjoying a safe place to swim during the festive season.

A functioning public pool would offer far more than recreation — it would provide hope, skills, and opportunities for the next generation.