Cape Academy reveals its upgraded swimming pool

Pupils of Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology (CAMST) in Constantia are now able to do water sports and learn life-saving skills, now that its swimming pool has been upgraded.

The pool upgrade was made possible by the AquAzzurra Foundation non-profit company, which aims to promote water safety, swimming education, and infrastructure development nationwide. 

CEO of AquAzzurra Foundation, Mina Manoussakis, said their organisation, through the support of sponsors and donors, managed to raise R4 million in order to do restoration work on the swimming pool. “Today, the Cape Academy pool shines as a beacon of progress. Beyond its physical restoration, it represents a revival of opportunity for the school and its pupils,” she said. Ms Manoussakis said children who once had no access to aquatic education can now learn to swim safely, train competitively, and dream of representing their country.

The restoration work included:

• full fibreglass resurfacing,
• installation of new lane ropes and diving blocks,
• major electrical and plumbing upgrades,
• new circulation pumps and heating systems, and
• a redesigned pool deck for improved safety and accessibility.

Ms Manoussakis said they had reached out to Cape Academy more than five years ago about the project, though Covid-19 put a hold on it. “Despite the delay, the commitment to rebuild never wavered,” she said.

Ms Manoussakis said the restoration is more than a construction success; it’s a reaffirmation of their belief that every child deserves to be water safe. “In a nation surrounded by water but marked by inequality of access, this initiative proves that meaningful change begins one pool, one school, and one community at a time,” she said.

Cape Academy principal Angie Naidu said they were thrilled that work on the renovated pool is completed. “This long-awaited transformation marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide quality facilities that support the holistic development of our pupils,” she said. 

Ms Naidu said the state of the pool was unfortunate before the renovations. “ It had deteriorated over time due to lack of maintenance and eventually resembled more of a swamp than a space for learning and recreation,” she said.

She said her school is privileged to have partnered with the AquaAzzura Foundation, whose generosity and commitment made this project possible. “ This partnership is deeply welcomed, and we are confident it will continue to enrich the lives of our pupils for years to come,” she said.