As South Africa’s aquatic future takes shape in the heart of Pietermaritzburg, AquaPark stands as more than a pool — it’s a beacon of transformation. At the helm of this bold initiative is Theo Verster, a former Olympian and the head coach of South Africa’s Paralympic swim team. In this interview, Theo shares the story behind AquaPark, its purpose, and the immense potential it holds for athletes, communities, and the country’s swimming legacy.
Theo’s introduction to swimming came at age 12 — a relatively late start in a sport often dominated by early bloomers. But passion and perseverance propelled him through three Commonwealth Games, world championships, and the Sydney Olympics. After hanging up his goggles, Theo shifted seamlessly into coaching, guiding some of South Africa’s finest swimmers to international acclaim.
“The day I stopped swimming was the day I started coaching,” he says. “And I haven’t stopped since.”
From Kat Swanepoel’s golden double at the 2023 World Championships to world-record moments with Shireen Sapiro, Theo’s career is stitched with victories both personal and national.
Theo’s involvement with AquaPark began with a simple conversation about accessibility for para-athletes — but quickly grew into something deeper.
“I realised the impact this project could have — not just on elite athletes, but on entire communities,” he explains.
AquaPark will be the first fully inclusive aquatic precinct in South Africa. Its mission? To bring Olympic-level infrastructure to the people and build a home for talent at every stage — from Learn-to-Swim to elite performance.
These three words form the core of AquaPark’s brand and they resonate strongly with Theo’s personal values.
Water: A life skill, a safety net, and a gateway to opportunity.
Talent: Identified and nurtured through access to the right infrastructure.
Transformation: Not just about sport, but about equity, upliftment, and belonging.
“This is where kids will take their first confident strokes, where para-athletes will train beside Olympians, and where a young swimmer from a rural school can dream big,” Theo says.
Located within the Xhawula Precinct, AquaPark is part of a broader plan to transform Pietermaritzburg into a hub of excellence and safety. St Charles College strongly supports this initiative to invest in the precinct and position Pietermaritzburg as an epicentre of education, sport and economic development.
When asked what success looks like, Theo doesn’t hesitate: “When no one is left looking in from the outside. When everyone feels like they belong.”
AquaPark is a story of hope, transformation, and excellence. With construction underway and the Myrtha pool arriving mid-year, South Africa is one step closer to a world-class aquatics future.
Whether you’re a coach, a parent, an athlete, or a potential sponsor — this is your opportunity to get involved.
AquaPark is not just a place to swim. It’s a place to bring hope.
296-731 NPO. PBO Reference No.930077093
Xhawula uMgungundlovu Aquatics NPC
Registration: 2022/712751/08
296-774 NPO. PBO Reference No. 930079665