The legacy of Balkumar Singh and the reopening of Durban's iconic swimming pool

A Durban swimming pool has never evoked so much emotion as the Balkumar Singh Swimming Pool in Asherville. 

The pool, which opened in 1957, served as a reminder of resilience and a community's fight to open it to people of all racial groups.

However, since May 2022, the pool, also referred to as the Asherville Pool, has been closed because of flood-related damage. It reopened on December 11, 2025, much to the elation of family member Arthi Singh.

“For me, one of the most important aspects of my grandfather's legacy is that during a time of great oppression, he fought fearlessly for the rights of a disadvantaged community to have access to a swimming pool, so that swimming could be taught and lives saved,” she said.

Arthi said the swimming pool has become a beacon of hope and freedom, a symbol of what could be achieved through courage and determination.

“It is a reminder to everyone of the power of one person to create positive change,” she said.

The Singh family is expected to gather at the pool on Saturday, December 20, for a remembrance day ceremony.

Shailen Singh, a family member, paid tribute to members of the community who had turned up in their numbers with spades and wheelbarrows and offered their manpower to clean up the debris left in the wake of the floods.

The family also thanked Ward 31 councillor Remona McKenzie for pushing this project forward and her commitment to lobbying for the repairs and the reopening of the pool.

HISTORY

The late Balkumar Singh fought tirelessly to establish the swimming pool due to his growing concern for lives lost from frequent drownings and the lack of available facilities.

According to the family, he intended to help people acquire skills of swimming and lifesaving techniques, which resulted in a long, drawn-out struggle with the Durban City Council for 23 years. His tireless efforts finally led him to victory, resulting in the pool being created in 1957.

Singh held numerous swimming accolades, both nationally and internationally, and had also established the Durban Indian Surf Lifesaving in 1932, the first Indian lifesaving club in the country.

In 1963, he also worked with the blind when he coached pupils from the Arthur Blaxall School for the Blind.

Singh coached pupils from the School for the Blind. He taught them to swim and ensured they had a swimming gala.

His accomplishments, however, extended beyond the realms of swimming and lifesaving. When World War 2 broke out, Singh volunteered for active service, and in 1940, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and was the first Indian in South Africa to hold such a rank.

“The Balkumar Singh Swimming Pool stands forever in honour of Mr Singh’s dedication and service to lifesaving, swimming, and the community,” Shailen said.

McKenzie said the pool belonged to the community, adding that the re-opening is an achievement that comes after much perseverance, advocacy, and determined effort to ensure that the municipality fulfilled its obligations. 

eThekwini has more than 40 swimming pools open to the public in December 2025.

Simphiwe Dlamini, from the eThekwini media team, said that the Balkumar Pool has undergone a major transformation costing R1.8 million. 

“The floods caused severe damage from a mudslide in the pool area, a collapsed fence, and a flooded plant room. We did not give up. We rolled up our sleeves. We replaced the filter tanks and pumps, gave the paddling pool a makeover, and added new shade clothes,” he said.  

zainul.dawood@inl.co.za