AquaPark, Pietermaritzburg’s world-class aquatic facility in the making, has made a splash in the media — and for good reason. With construction powering through Phase 2 and the arrival of the Olympic-standard Myrtha pool just months away, the project has captured the attention of East Coast Radio, the Maritzburg Sun, and The Witness.
In a recent East Coast Radio Business Watch feature, AquaPark CEO and former Olympian Theo Verster spoke passionately about the vision behind the development — a transformative aquatics centre built not only for elite competition but for community, inclusion, and growth. “From grassroots to high-performance, AquaPark will be a place where champions are made,” said Verster. “Where para-athletes and school teams train side-by-side, and where swimming becomes a part of every child’s journey.”
This bold message was echoed in The Witness, where journalist Nia Louw covered the facility’s progress and ambitions. With the pool components set to ship from Italy in July and installation scheduled to begin on September 25, Verster confirmed that testing would begin in November, with full handover expected by December 10, 2025.
At the heart of the facility lies the Myrtha pool — the same modular, stainless-steel system used in 14 Olympic and World Championship venues worldwide. Its 52.5m design includes a movable bulkhead, offering flexible configurations for training, water polo, and competitive events. It’s a game-changer for aquatics in South Africa.
“This isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” Verster told The Witness. “It’s about changing the landscape of aquatics in this country.”
Formerly known as South African Aquatics Park, the project has rebranded as AquaPark to reflect a more inclusive, accessible identity. The name signals a shift from traditional perceptions to a facility that serves everyone — from aspiring Olympians to school swimmers and community learners.
St Charles College, which committed R18 million in initial funding and provided land for the project, continues to back the vision. Principal Allen van Blerk shared that the facility is not only a legacy project for the school but a catalyst for the wider Xhawula Precinct — a development plan aimed at uplifting wellness, sport, education, and infrastructure in the region.
“This is no longer a concept on paper,” said van Blerk. “It’s becoming a physical landmark, and it will transform how South Africans access, train, and compete in aquatics.”
As construction advances, the AquaPark team is actively engaging with corporate sponsors, NGOs, and donors. Opportunities include naming rights, sponsorship of events and learn-to-swim programmes, and long-term partnerships to support para-sport and access initiatives.
From media headlines to concrete progress, AquaPark is moving confidently toward its mission: Water. Talent. Transformation.
Now is the time to get involved.
Follow our progress at aquapark.co.za or on social media @AquaParkSA.
296-731 NPO. PBO Reference No.930077093
Xhawula uMgungundlovu Aquatics NPC
Registration: 2022/712751/08
296-774 NPO. PBO Reference No. 930079665