The Inyoni Rocks swimming pool in Amanzimtoti has fallen into disrepair, igniting community outrage over the eThekwini Municipality's neglect and misplaced priorities.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo
Once a big attraction for the community of Amanzimtoti and visitors to the area, the Inyoni Rocks swimming pool now stands in ruins and fingers have been pointed at the eThekwini Municipality for the neglect that has rendered the facility out of use.
Beachgoers who have gathered at Inyoni Rocks' over the years, which is located at Amanzimtoti's Main Beach, would have enjoyed the facility's various attractions, including its swimming pools and natural rock-pool.
The current state of affairs has outraged residents and local business-owners.
According to locals, the deterioration of the facility reflected the municipality’s misplaced priorities, and they were critical of the fact that city spent R22 million on statues honouring icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, and unveiled last week, yet that money could have been directed towards fixing Inyoni Rocks.
I believe our municipality could have used some of that money spent on the statutes to fix the pool,” said 29-year-old Alex Zondi.
Zondi said the absence of recreational facilities was a huge concern for him and others in his community, which has now led to increased drug use among young people, who are left with limited engaging activities.
“Our government doesn’t listen to its voters,” she said and suggesting that allocating resources to maintain community facilities should take precedence over grand monuments.
The Inyoni Rocks swimming pool in Amanzimtoti has fallen into disrepair, igniting community outrage over the eThekwini Municipality's neglect and misplaced priorities.
Image: Sibonelo Ngcobo
Once a major attraction for the community of Amanzimtoti and visitors, the Inyoni Rocks swimming pool now stands in ruins, with fingers being pointed at the eThekwini Municipality for the neglect that has rendered the facility out of use.
Beachgoers who have gathered at Inyoni Rocks over the years — located at Amanzimtoti’s Main Beach — would have enjoyed the facility’s various attractions, including its swimming pools and natural rock pool.
The current state of the facility has outraged residents and local business owners.
According to locals, the deterioration of the site reflects what they describe as the municipality’s misplaced priorities. They were critical of the fact that the city spent R22 million on statues honouring icons Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo, which were unveiled last week, arguing that the money could have been directed towards fixing Inyoni Rocks.
“I believe our municipality could have used some of that money spent on the statues to fix the pool,” said 29-year-old Alex Zondi.
Zondi said the absence of recreational facilities was a major concern for him and others in the community, adding that it had contributed to increased drug use among young people who are left with limited activities to engage in.
“Our government doesn’t listen to its voters,” he said, suggesting that allocating resources to maintain community facilities should take precedence over grand monuments.
Arjun Singh, a long-time resident, agreed with Zondi’s sentiments and said he had noticed the decline in recreational facilities was more pronounced across the broader southern Durban areas.
“The poor economic growth here has resulted in high levels of crime. We are fortunate that Galleria Mall has chosen to invest in Amanzimtoti, but active attention from the municipality is sorely needed,” he said.
Jean Siddall, commenting on social media, highlighted the detrimental impact that the pool’s neglect could have on tourism, which remains a vital component of the local economy.
“This isn’t in line with the city’s plans to attract tourists. It’s destroying tourism to our beautiful beach,” she said, adding that a derelict building nearby was also a blight on the area’s landscape.
Other residents said the pool was not the only run-down facility in the area, noting that the decay had also extended to local sports facilities, raising questions about the municipality’s management of its assets.
Reuben Schoeman reflected on what he described as a troubling trend in which many public swimming pools across South Africa have been abandoned or inadequately maintained.
“It blows my mind that so many 50m pools have been built, yet 90% remain neglected,” he said, highlighting that athletes are often left with the burden of incurring additional costs to access functional facilities.
eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana acknowledged the public outcry and the deteriorating condition of Inyoni Rocks.
She explained that a combination of natural coastal forces and vandalism had contributed to the facility’s current inoperative state.
“The pool was built on a natural rock formation, and changes in sea conditions have affected its structure,” Sisilana said, adding that technical evaluations of the facility were ongoing to assess possible remedial actions.
“We recognise the importance of these public recreational facilities and are exploring viable options for revitalisation.
“Public pools such as Inyoni Rocks are crucial for fostering community engagement, promoting health, and enhancing tourism. The city remains committed to improving these spaces while prioritising public safety.”
Sisilana also urged community members to actively participate in safeguarding municipal infrastructure from vandalism, noting that collective responsibility is necessary to preserve shared amenities.