The City of Johannesburg, led by the MMC for Community Development, Cllr Tebogo Nkokou, together with the Sports and Recreation team, reopened its public swimming pools on 1 September 2025, marking the start of the new season and welcoming residents back to these much-loved community spaces.
The reopening campaign has already seen three landmark facilities brought back into service. Many of these pools had been vandalised during the Covid-19 lockdown, but the City has since prioritised their restoration.
Currently, 54% of the City’s swimming pools are open to the public, with the target set at 90% by the end of September. Unfortunately, about 10% of facilities have been permanently decommissioned due to extensive damage sustained during lockdown.
The reopening drive began with the Blairgowrie Swimming Pool in Randburg, supported by a voluntary partnership between the City and the local community.
Cllr Nkokou highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying: “The City recognises and appreciates the contribution made by residents and commits to continuing its support. These facilities are for the benefit of communities and require community involvement while the City ensures their maintenance.”
At Park Extension 9, a major refurbishment project was completed ahead of reopening. The upgrades included repairs to the filtration system, refurbishment of thatched roofs in the Lapa area, replacement of floodlights, and repainting of the exterior perimeter.
The Orlando Swimming Pool, Johannesburg’s largest public pool, also reopened this season after being closed during 2023/24 due to severe flooding caused by its proximity to the Kliprivier River.
The filtration system, which had been submerged, has since been restored, allowing the facility to once again welcome both the young and old eager to cool off under the summer sun.
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