01/12/2025
CHAIRPERSONāS REPORT
It has been a busy year for the Friends, and we are still running hard until Christmas. But it has been a good year for the FSPP and their beneficiaries.
The team has been working diligently on all fronts, and it is rewarding to see that our efforts over the past several years have come to fruition. We have established a solid business in the forecourt and now, inside the pool, enabling us to make meaningful investments in the Pavilion.
To make a meaningful contribution, meaningful resources are necessary. We have consistently supported the pool ā whenever requested, whether it be HTH chlorine, pool cleaning tools, plumbing, or other items. They were always supplied in response to urgent needs in the pool. We have finally managed to contribute in a meaningful way by renovating the historical and iconic entrance building. Although the financial impact will be reflected in the subsequent FY reporting, the planning and process took place in FY 2025.
We have also invested in the forecourt. We added a large kiosk featuring beautiful Mandela art, which simultaneously tackles a long-standing issue with litter, vagrants, and crime on the back side facing the car park. We refreshed the appearance of the kiosks with shades of blue, connecting the area to the stunning surrounding sea. All tables have been sanded and painted to enhance the new look and feel of the forecourt.
It is worth noting that the entire project, from initiation to delivery, was managed by the FSPP, which is rather impressive. Allow us to feel proud for a short moment, but that's not why we are here.
The entire project has cost the FSPP just over R2m, which represents most of our savings from the past 10 years. Not to worry, the strong business we have built is providing healthy cash flow, and we are looking forward to our next project in the future.
Our social development is also expanding, attracting volunteers and new aspiring swimmers from underserved areas. Watch out for the pink team near the kiddies' pools.
Financially, we expect to have approximately R1 million in our account after spending over R2 million on the pool and some on the forecourt.
I donāt want to dampen a positive report; I believe the outcome will be good. Itās worth mentioning that getting this project off the ground and making it happen was a tall order for a group of volunteers when working with the city of Cape Town. The council, the Facility Manager, and the city heritage team saved this project and made it possible for us to realise it. Thank you. For the city of Cape Town, it would be wonderful if we received more support and encouragement rather than obstacles, and perhaps a sense of urgency in allocating meaningful attention to the Pavilion and its pool, both inside and out. It is my sixth AGM as a chair and seventh overall (I was secretary at first). We heard about the Master plan's imminent birth over seven years ago, and we have yet to see a glimpse of its image. It is not a criticism; it's a plea. Please. The Pavilion is a unique treasure in this wonderful city; it deserves to be treated as such. Urgently.
Thank you to the Friends team. We all contributed in our own way, with time and skills, but we worked as a team, and the results are clear.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy festive season.
Ram Barkai
FSPP Chair
The Friends of Sea Point Pavilion BOARD
