Bonteheuwel councillor Angus McKenzie have come out swinging against people who criticised him for the local swimming pool being closed during school hours.
McKenzie has come under increasing criticism from community members who feel that they are hard done by not being able to swim during the day.
Misleading
“There are lies and misleading claims currently being spread about the Bonteheuwel Swimming Pool, and it’s important to set the record straight. Before the summer holidays, the pool was closed during school hours. Once schools officially closed for the holidays, the pool was opened daily for the enjoyment of our community. This was a deliberate and responsible decision.The reason is simple, our children belong in school during school time. We cannot encourage or enable a situation where learners are bunking school to spend their days at the swimming pool. This is a serious challenge across many communities, and as leaders we must put education first, even when it’s not the most popular decision,” says McKenzie.
Weekends
Now that schools have reopened, the pool will remain open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays so that children and families can still enjoy the facility responsibly and safely, says McKenzie. “It is deeply disappointing that certain community-based organisations would choose to spread rumours and misinformation, despite the fact that it is standard practice for pools to be closed during school hours. Our focus has always been, and remains, the well-being, discipline, and education of our children. That is not negotiable. Responsible leadership means doing what is right, not what is noisy,” he says.
TygerBurger reached out to the organisation who first complained about the swimming pool being closed and will add their comment when received.
