Pensioners who previously entered public pools for free will now be charged to gain entry as the City of Johannesburg has introduced a discounted entrance fee, which has left some senior citizens concerned.
The city officially reopened its public pools on Spring Day and they remain open between September and March each year.
The facilities that charge an entry fee had previously offered a no-fee entrance to those aged above 63, while adults paid an entrance fee of R12 and minors R6 per day.
These include pools at Zoo Lake, Linden and Paterson Park in Norwood, said DA ward 117 councillor Tim Truluck.
But as of Monday, the prices increased to R20 for adults, and pensioners will be charged half that amount to enter.
“In non-heated pools, this is R10 for a day or R160.50 for a season ticket. In heated pools like Linden, it is R12.50 per day or R235 for a season ticket,” he said.
Chairperson of the Gauteng Older Persons Forum Malefyane Phetla disagreed with the new tariff and said pensioners were already struggling to make ends meet.
With the R2,180 pension grant, household expenses, utilities and rent still had to be covered.
“We can’t just sit at home and we need to go out and be active and go swimming sometimes. I do not agree with this.
“We want to go to the pool to cool down, and water is also healing. This must be nipped in the bud. We are not prepared to compromise not even for a R2 fee. Elderly people are already struggling financially,” she said.
Pensioners are particularly struggling with massive increases in everything. This is just one more thing
— Eleanor Huggett, DA ward 73 councillor
DA ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett said a couple of residents had raised queries about this fee as it came as a surprise when they tried to enter Paterson Park in Norwood. The facility was one of the first to be opened on Sunday.
“They were surprised and a bit saddened and wanted more information as it was unexpected. Pensioners are particularly struggling with massive increases in everything. This is just one more thing.
“I am saddened that the city had to do this, but I can see why. It is because they simply don’t have the money in their coffers for infrastructure and maintenance. However, I am glad they can open the pools,” she said.
The decision to introduce a fee for pensioners followed a consultative process, contributions from the community and public participation through ward councillors and the city’s platforms, DA shadow MMC for community development Lyrics Mazibuko said.
He said this fee will contribute to funds for maintenance and the upkeep of the facilities.
However, it was not set in stone and those who could not afford the entrance fee could apply for exemption from the city, Mazibuko said.
“Those who can afford are expected to pay the 50% discounted fee. Those who cannot can apply for [exemption] and nothing is stopping them from applying to be considered as indigent. It’s not a blanket approach and it differs from person to person,” he said.
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