AquaPark is a world-class, four-hectare aquatic centre dedicated to transforming aquatics in South Africa while uplifting the Xhawula Precinct in Pietermaritzburg. Our vision is to become the leading aquatics facility in Africa — developing talent, promoting water safety and Learn-to-Swim programmes, and providing an environment where athletes can reach their full potential.
Phase 1-2: in progress
Pool: World-class
50m Myrtha pool
FUNCTIONS: competition &
training for all levels
FUNCTIONS: competition & training for all levels
pools: 2 learn-to-swim,
1 WATER POLO/WARM-UP
pools: 2 learn-to-swim, 1 WATER POLO/WARM-UP
Phase 3-5: ready to go
AREAS: CAFÉ, gym, Wellness
Studio & COLLAB space
AREAS: CAFÉ, gym, Wellness Studio & COLLAB space
The Vision Is Underway. Join Us.
AquaPark is South Africa’s first Olympic-standard aquatic facility, designed to host international events, develop champions, and unite communities through water. We’re proud to be building the heart of it — a 50m Myrtha Olympic pool — but this is just Phase One. The full vision includes more pools, seating, training spaces, and inclusive programmes. To get there, we need your support.
Be part of building a legacy for the city, the province, and the country.
This is your pool, South Africa.
PHASE ONE
PHASE TWO
PHASE THREE
PHASE THREE
PHASE FOUR
PHASE FIVE
With the foundations laid, Phase One of AquaPark is well underway — and on track. Construction of our Olympic-standard 50m pool is nearing completion, with the goal of filling it by December 2025. This is a major milestone in the R186 million project which will see the completion of all five phases of AquaPark.
We’re just R25 million away from completing the transformative Phase One to make AquaPark ready for swimmers to set their Olympic times for LA 2028. So far, R70 million has been raised toward this critical first phase.
Every contribution brings us closer to opening South Africa’s first facility of its kind — a space for elite competition, inclusive training, and community pride. While more phases are planned for the future, right now we’re focused on completing Phase Two and filling the pool. It costs just R10 to keep one litre of crystal clear water in the pool at the optimum temperature. Your support will help us fill this world-class facility with water and get it ready for swimmers to make a splash.
AquaPark is set to redefine the landscape of aquatics in Africa.
The only question left is—will you be part of the journey?
AquaPark is set to redefine the landscape of aquatics in Africa.
The only question left is—will you be part of the journey?
Built for Every Swimming Level
AquaPark is designed to support every level of aquatic development — from elite athletes chasing Olympic dreams to children taking their very first strokes.
This is not a school pool — AquaPark is an educationally driven community initiative, operated by an independent NPC whose core objective is to enrich lives through the development, coordination, and promotion of aquatics in South Africa.
The Xhawula Precinct, shares our commitment to creating a city that works — clean, green, and safe. While AquaPark activates the space through sport and education, Xhawula leads long-term precinct development and upliftment.
Every few decades, we are given the rare opportunity to shape the future. AquaPark and Xhawula are seizing this moment to create a precinct built on education, sport, and shared opportunity — for a brighter Pietermaritzburg, and a stronger South Africa.
296-731 NPO. PBO Reference No.930077093
Xhawula uMgungundlovu Aquatics NPC
Registration: 2022/712751/08
296-774 NPO. PBO Reference No. 930079665
