The City of Harare has officially launched its 2026 swimming season, with a call for stakeholders to partner the City in reviving and maintaining municipal swimming pools. The season was launched today at Les Brown Swimming Pool by his Worship the Mayor Cllr Jacob Mafume. Speaking at the launch, Cllr Mafume said the occasion was central to the City’s vision of building a healthy, disciplined and inclusive city. "This is an important occasion on our civic calendar because it speaks directly to the kind of city we are building – a city that values health, recreation, youth development, discipline, safety and community participation," he said. Mayor Mafume said the City's swimming pools were public assets and safe spaces for young people, listing facilities including Les Brown, George Hartley, Mufakose, Greendale, Hatfield, Highfields, Malbereign, Waterfalls, Highlands, Avondale, Arcadia and Mt Pleasant pools. He noted that the Highlands Swimming Pool produced former Minister of Sports and now International Olympic Committee President Ms Kirsty Coventry. The Mayor acknowledged that many recreational facilities require maintenance and rehabilitation. "The City cannot do it alone. A city is built through partnership," he said, appealing to corporates, schools, churches, sports associations and former swimmers to support pool maintenance, water treatment, equipment, coach training and rehabilitation of changing rooms. Mayor Mafume said sport was a critical tool in the fight against drug and substance abuse. "Drug and substance abuse is not just a health problem. It is a family problem. It is a community problem. It is a development problem. Sport is one of the strongest weapons we have in this fight," he said. He commended swimmers, coaches, parents and the Department of Housing and Community Services for organising the event, and urged residents to protect public facilities and prioritise water safety. The Mayor also recognised the presence of the Junior Mayor Jaden Mutuma and her Junior Council, saying young people must be active voices in City programmes.
