The Gelvandale community celebrates the much-anticipated reopening of their swimming pool.

The Bethelsdorp community gathered in high spirits this past Saturday for the much-anticipated reopening of the Gelvandale Swimming Pool, which had been closed for over a decade due to maintenance issues and budget constraints. The reopening ceremony marked a significant milestone, with Minister for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, leading the event alongside MEC for the provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Sibulele Ngongo, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Bongekile Mankahla, and Acting City Manager, Sizwe Mvunelwa.

Reopening the Gelvandale swimming pool may not be what makes all locals happy, but it’s definitely a great step toward giving value to the youth of Bethelsdorp in Gqeberha’s Northern areas. Whether it was done by the community itself, the government, or even a private company - the bottom line is, it had to be done. And it’s already brought back so many smiles in the community. This time around, Minister of Sport - also known as the Minister of Enjoyment - was there to enjoy putting those smiles back where they belong.

The collaboration between National, Provincial, and Municipal governments has ensured that the pool is now fully operational, providing a safe and much-needed recreational space for the local community. Minister McKenzie emphasized the importance of the pool’s role in uplifting the youth and promoting community unity. “This facility will keep children off the streets and away from criminal activities. We ask the community to help us maintain it as it is there for their benefit,” he said.

The reopening has also inspired some former swimmers, who had long abandoned their swimsuits, to consider getting back into the water and even revive their dreams of becoming professional swimmers. "It’s been a long wait, but seeing the pool back in use brings back so many memories,” said a local resident and former swim coach. “It’s great for the kids to have a place to learn how to swim and stay out of trouble.”

However, the main concern going forward is how the pool will be maintained. The community has a huge role to play in protecting it, especially considering how many government facilities, crucial for community development, have been vandalized in the past. For this investment to truly benefit the youth and the broader community, it will require collective care and responsibility.

The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a spirited swim demonstration by local youth. The Gelvandale Swimming Pool is now open to the public.

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