From Japan to South Africa, a legacy by Myrtha Pools

Xhawula NPC announces new aquatic centre with state-of-the-art 50-metre pool

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa – In a ground-breaking partnership, renowned pool manufacturer Myrtha Pools has joined forces with Xhawula uMgungundlovu Aquatics NPC (“Xhawula” a non-profit organisation) to build in 2025 the much-anticipated South African Aquatics Park (SAAP) on land leased from St Charles College. This momentous project marks the first collaboration between Myrtha Pools and an NPO in Africa and underlines their shared vision of providing high performance swimming facilities for aspiring athletes and developing swimmers.

The centrepiece of the SAAP is the introduction of the region’s first major 50m pool, built to the highest international standards and featuring a Myrtha moveable bulkhead that allows for a range of configurations. From training and competition in both long and short courses, to allowing two different water polo training sessions to take place at the same time.

Thanks to Myrtha’s modular stainless-steel technology, the SAAP pool has already been used by professional athletes during the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and will continue to inspire aquatics athletes for years to come as they dive into a new era of aquatic sports.

“Myrtha Pools is thrilled to be partnering with Xhawula and the SAAP on this project,” said Ricardo Bersi, Myrtha Pools Area Manager. “The commitment shown by Xhawula and its community in creating a world-class pool is a perfect match for the dedication we see in the athletes we serve. We believe the pool will serve as a tangible symbol of their unwavering determination”.

Xhawula uMgungundlovu Aquatics NPC is a dedicated non-profit entity established to spearhead the South African Aquatics Park project and promote aquatic sports across KwaZulu-Natal. Rooted in the spirit of collaboration, the name “Xhawula,” an isiZulu term meaning “to shake hands,” reflects the organisation’s commitment to fostering unity, transformation and shared progress.

With a robust governance framework, Xhawula ensures transparency, accountability and effective management. The organisation collaborates with local schools, city officials, community leaders and global partners to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the SAAP. By uniting stakeholders across public and private sectors, Xhawula embodies a partnership-driven model for achieving meaningful and lasting impact.

“We are thrilled to partner with Myrtha Pools to bring world-class aquatic infrastructure to Pietermaritzburg,” declared Theo Verster, CEO of the South African Aquatics Park “The Myrtha Pool at the South African Aquatics Park will not only set the standard for excellence in aquatic sports across Africa but also serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our community. Together, we are creating a facility that will inspire the next generation of swimmers, promote water safety and uplift lives through the power of sport.”

As the development entity behind the SAAP, Xhawula is uniquely positioned to redefine aquatic sports in Southern Africa. Its work will not only contribute to training world-class athletes but also foster community empowerment, economic growth and a legacy of excellence in sports and education for future generations.

The construction of this South African Aquatics Park marks a significant milestone for Xhawula, the SAAP and the local community. It promises to raise the standard of aquatics in the region, providing students with a world-class facility – from Myrtha Pools, an international manufacturer and official sponsor of World Aquatics – to nurture their skills and fuel their dreams of excellence in swimming and related disciplines.

The anticipation surrounding the opening of the new aquatic centre is palpable as swimmers and sports enthusiasts eagerly await the unveiling of this iconic facility. The collaboration between Myrtha Pools and Xhawula will leave a lasting legacy in South Africa’s sporting landscape, inspiring generations of young athletes to achieve greatness in the water.

Render credits : Garth Dyer from Architectural Graphics