Turning water lovers into Champs
WELCOME TO
Kiddies Aqua
Swimming Academy
Meet Our Instructors
Nikita Erasmus
Instructor
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Nikita joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2017. She completed her BA Human Movement Science degree at the University of Pretoria (2017).She also served as an English teacher and a swim coach at the Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria (DSP) for two years.
During her school years, she participated in several sports codes and was also a member of her school’s Student Council and Leadership Board for four years. Nikita also completed a Level-1 Swimming Foundation and Coaching Course with the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) and a six-week in-house training programme with us. During her university years she completed several netball- and athletics referee- and coaching courses. She also holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
Nikita is a very talented-, hardworking individual who takes her work as a swim coach very seriously. Her natural touch in the water and passion for children allow her swimmers progress at a fast pace. She loves working with children of all ages and excels in all the various phases of the swimming programmes our swim school has to offer.
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Estie Botha
Instructor
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Estie joined Kiddies Aqua in August 2011. She holds a Diploma in IT and is also registered with Swimming South Africa. She also holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school. Estie specializes in the bridging phase between the babies and toddlers, learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), stroke- and stroke correction for young gala swimmers and adult swimming. She won our Golden Towel Award in June 2019.
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Estie bonds strongly with her swimmers and parents. She is very patient in her approach and a superb stroke coach. She is creative and innovative in her thinking and gets her swimmers at a very high level of competency very fast. She delivers quality top school- and provincial swimmers year after year. She always makes her swimming lessons exciting and interesting. She is very passionate about children and her swimming parents regularly express their satisfaction with her coaching and treatment of their children. She is a strong and disciplined worker that always puts her clients’ interests first.
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Karmen Mentz
Instructor & Team Leader
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Karmen joined Kiddies Aqua in September 2017. She holds diplomas in Sport Science, Sport Development, Sport Practice, Sport Psychology, Sport Organization & Administration and Coaching Science (NWU). She is also registered with Swimming South Africa, holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
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Karmen specializes in the bridging phase between the babies and toddlers, learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), adult swimming and stroke- and stroke correction for young gala swimmers. In 2018 she received the award for Best Swimming Instructor.
Karmen is a highly talented- and hard-working swimming coach who understands the mechanics of the sport very well and who is getting her swimmers on a high level of swim competency very fast. She is passionate about swimming with a loveable and friendly personality.
She is also a highly disciplined- and well organized swimming coach who knows what she wants. Her swimmers progress at a fast rate, seeing that she places a strong emphasis on water safety and stroke competency. She teaches them the perfect stroke and makes sure they are 100% swim-ready by the time they enter primary school. She builds strong relationships with her swimmers and parents and always makes their interest a top priority. Her parents regularly express their satisfaction with her service.
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Irene Mokoena
Instructor
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Irene joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2001 (at Aqua Kid Swim School in Nelspruit). She completed Matric and is also registered with Swimming South Africa. She also holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
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Irene specializes in the bridging phase between the babies and toddlers, learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), stroke- and stroke correction, adult swimming and special needs kids. She has been a swimming teacher since 2001 when she started with Lizette at her swim school in Nelspruit. In the early 2000’s Irene qualified as one of South Africa’s first Black Learn-to-Swim teachers. She worked for Lizette for eight years before Lizette moved to Pretoria in 2009. She took over various clients and pre-schools from Lizette in Nelspruit and never stopped teaching swimming since then. Irene is also assisting us with most of our Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation projects. In 2018 she received the award for the Most Improved Swimming Instructor.
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Irene is a super coach who learnt her trade through Lizette. She is fluent in seven different languages, including Afrikaans, English, Pedi, Venda, Sotho and Shangaan. She is passionate about swimming and a real mother figure to our swimmers. She is a goal-driven, positive, enthusiastic hard worker and a good communicator. She builds and maintains brilliant relationships with her swimmers and parents. Parents insist that their children must swim with Irene. She is an enthusiastic student of the sport and always tries to stay informed on all the latest developments in swimming.
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Jaimé Myhill
Instructor
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Jaimé joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2017. She is a qualified attorney (LLB) and is also registered with Swimming South Africa. She also holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
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Jaimé works for us only on Saturdays and is specializing in the bridging phase between the babies and toddlers, learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), adult swimming, stroke- and stroke correction for young gala swimmers and special needs kids.
She is an ex-provincial swimmer who participated and won medals at provincial- and national swimming competitions during her primary and high school years. She was a top academic scholar and served on the Dean's merit list and also formed part of the Golden Key Society at the University of Pretoria. Jaimé is also assisting us with most of our Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation projects. She also won our Golden Towel Award (July 2019) and our annual award for Best Positive Spirit (2018).
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Jaimé is much loved by her swimmers and parents. She is a serving person and a brilliant team contributor and inspiration to our entire team.
Carmen Botha
Instructor
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Carmen joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2018 until she left for the USA on a swim scholarship at the University of North Texas later that year.
In August 2019 she transferred to New York, also on a swim scholarship at St. Francis College, Brooklyn Heights, until 2022 where she pursued in a BSc Criminal Justice degree.
Carmen holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates, and renews her Police -, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Clearance Certificates every year.
She attends our in-house refresher training regularly and even presents stroke refinement- and development training to her swim teaching colleagues at Kiddies Aqua.
Specializing in teaching toddlers and pre-schoolers across all three phases of learn-to-swim and providing stroke and stroke correction teaching for young gala/competitive swimmers, Carmen was a standout performer both in the pool and academically at her university in the USA.
Her accolades include being a former Top 5 female swimmer in South Africa and a national age group swimming champion since age seven.
Carmen continued to excel, winning medals at national and provincial swimming competitions and holding several Northern Gauteng Provincial swimming records. She earned provincial colours from Grade 1-12 (for Mpumalanga and Northern Gauteng).
Carmen's swimming journey further includes the inclusion in South Africa’s Junior Youth Swimming Squads from age 14 and receiving numerous swim scholarship offers from universities in the USA.
Notably, she won the Victrix Ludorum award for Best Female Swimmer every year during her school career (Grade 1-12) as well as at Provincial- and A-league Inter Schools Galas. She has also achieved recognition, by being named Athlete of the Week during her time at the University of North Texas.
With a natural affinity for children, Carmen takes pleasure in helping them improve their swimming skills and enjoys sharing her extensive knowledge of competitive swimming with the younger generation.
Her favorite strokes are the Backstroke and the Breaststroke.
Mikal Botha
Instructor
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Mikal became part of Kiddies Aqua in January 2016. She pursued a B Ed in Early Childhood Development and Psychology Degree at Oklahoma Christian University, USA.
She also holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police- Child Protection- and Sexual Offences Clearance Certificates annually.
Regular attendance at our in-house refresher training reflects her commitment to maintaining our swim school's high standards.
Mikal completed a 400-hour training program in 2022 with her mom, Lizette, to qualify as a Baby Floating Instructor.
She also specialises in the crucial bridging phase between babies and toddlers.
Her expertise spans to various other areas, including teaching toddlers and pre-schoolers (ages 2-6-yrs) to swim across all phases, stroke development for young gala/competitive swimmers, and adult swimming instruction.
Her impressive swimming background includes being a top performer both in the pool and academically at Oklahoma Christian University, where she transferred from Tampa University in 2018.
Mikal excelled in South African swimming circles during her school years, earning medals and podium positions at national- and provincial competitions and holding several swimming records with her sister, Carmen, at Afrikaans Hoër Meisieskool in Pretoria.
Mikal's achievements include being included in South Africa’s Junior and Youth Swimming Squads and receiving numerous swim scholarships from universities in the USA.
Notably, she won the Victrix Ludorum for five consecutive years during high school career at Affies Meisies.
Her passion for working with children and her innate ability to connect with them reflects in her exceptional touch and her eagerness to share her swimming expertise.
Mikal aspires to follow in her mother's footsteps by one day opening her own Kiddies Aqua Swim School Branch.
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Mike Dawson
Instructor
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Mike joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2017. He did a 2-year Diploma in Personal Training (Sharks Rugby Academy). In addition to this, Mike also completed the KZN and International Rugby Board Level 1 Coaching Courses. He is registered with Swimming South Africa and holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates. He renews his Police Clearance every year. He attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
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Mike specializes in learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), stroke- and stroke correction for young gala swimmers and adult swimming. We refer most of our Special Needs Kids to Mike, seeing that he is very gifted working with these special kids.
Mike excelled at rugby, swimming, athletics and water polo during his school years. After school he joined the Sharks Rugby Academy and played rugby for their junior teams. He continued to become an assistant coach at Hillcrest High and also did some Boot Camps at Westville Girls High. Mike is also assisting us with most of our Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation projects.
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Mike has got an unbelievable touch with the children, especially with the Special Needs Kids. He understands them and loves coaching them. He also excels at stroke- and stroke correction coaching, seeing that he was a competitive swimmer himself whilst still at school. Most of our adult swimmers swim with Mike. He is an enthusiastic student of the sport and always wants to improve and expand on his knowledge about swimming. He is always going the extra mile for his clients, teammates and colleagues and no task is too big or too small for him.
Lizandré Lewis
Instructor
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Lizandré joined Kiddies Aqua in November 2019. She moved from a swim school in Klerksdorp to us in Pretoria. She is currently studying B Ed Early Childhood Development through UNISA. She completed a Learn-to-Swim diploma through Swimming South Africa and a six-week in-house training programme with us. She also holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
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Lizandré specializes in learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), stroke- and stroke correction for young gala swimmers and the teaching of special needs kids to be water safe and to swim. Her favorite stroke is Breaststroke and enjoys it most to teach children from 2-4-years of age. Seeing that she is so tiny, the children relate easily to her. They think she is one of them. With her friendly, loving approach, is she achieving excellent results with these little ones.
Imaan Adams
Instructor
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Imaan joined Kiddies Aqua in February 2020. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Psychology and is also a qualified Learn-to-Swim Instructor through Swimming South Africa. She completed a six-week in-house training programme with us. She holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school. During her school career she represented Gauteng Province at the South African Age Group Swimming Championships.
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Imaan is a fantastic swimming instructor with many years’ experience in the industry. She started working at our Tuks branch, but then moved closer to home to our Alberton branch. She is the complete deal when it comes to swimming instructors and with her very gentle approach is she achieving excellent results with her swimmers from a very early age. She has got the ability to take them all the way.
Imaan specializes in the bridging phase between the babies and toddlers, learn-to-swim for toddlers (all three phases), stroke- and stroke correction for young gala swimmers, adult swimming and the teaching of special needs kids to be water safe and to swim. Her favorite stroke is Backstroke and she enjoys teaching children and adults of all ages. She is doing incredible upliftment work in the community of Eldorado Park and is dreaming of opening her own swim school in this community one day
Lizanne Viljoen
Instructor
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Lizanne joined Kiddies Aqua in June 2018. She will be completing a degree in B Ed Foundation Phase at the University of Pretoria in 2022. She completed the Learn-to-Swim Programme with Swimming South Africa and a six-week in-house training programme with us. She holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police Clearance every year. She attends our in-house refresher training regularly to keep up with the high standards of our swim school.
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Swimming has been part of Lizanne’s life since her very young school days. She excelled in the sport and was regularly selected for the South African Junior & Youth Swimming Squads during her school career. As senior swimmer, she represented South Africa at the African Swimming Championships (October 2021) where she won gold and bronze in the 200m Butterfly and 100m Butterfly respectively. She currently swims for Tuks Swimming Club. She understands the sport of Swimming very well and the hard work it takes to perform at the highest level.
Jackie de Sousa
Instructor
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Jackie joined Kiddies Aqua in April 2022. She completed her BA Human Movement Science degree at the University of Pretoria (2003). She then went on to complete her post graduate certificate in education (UNISA) in 2005. She taught Physical Education and Life Orientation at Pretoria Girls High for 10 years and has been for the last 8 years working at the Deutsche Internationale Schule Pretoria(DSP) as the Head of the Sports Department.
During her school years she participated in several sport codes and played squash at a provincial level and played at a club level long after having finished her schooling. She was also a member of the Schools Representative Council. Jackie is qualified and experienced in coaching hockey, athletics, netball, squash and swimming. She holds a valid First Aid Level 1 and CPR certificate and renews her police clearance every year. She also completed her lifesaving qualification. She is qualified in sports massage therapy(Health and Fitness Professionals Association) and has completed 56 hours of training in the application of muscle monitoring techniques at the International College of Professional Kinesiology Practice. She has three children of her own, one boy and two girls.
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"I love Sports, it has been a big part of my life! I love working with children of all ages. It is important to me that all children find a physical activity that they love. I want to see them become lifelong participants so that they may be able to live with a healthy body and mind and have a good quality of lifestyle far into adulthood." - Jackie
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Lea Smit
Instructor
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Lea is one of our newest members on TEAM KIDDIES AQUA. She joined us in February 2022 and had to complete our 300-hour intensive in-house LTS-training course before she was signed-off as competent and ready to coach for us.
Lea holds certifications in both EMS Personal Training, as well as a 200-hour Vinyasa Yoga qualification.
During her school career, Lea completed more than 200x hours of community service with the Dasha School for Special Needs Children in Nelspruit. She has been a competitive butterfly swimmer throughout her swim career and has also competed in the Midmar Mile (in KZN) on numerous occasions.
She began learning about water safety at the tender age of 12, when she completed her first Lifesaving Level 1-certification.
During her yoga qualification, she was educated on Kiddies Yoga, which included Child Behaviour Management, as well as Child Physiology.
She is well versed in the sport of swimming, yet has a gentle-, loving approach to all her young swimmers. She works well with all age and all-level swimmers, from Learn-to-Swim to Stroke Correction, Gala Preparation and Adult Swimming.
She enjoys cultivating a safe space and trusting relationships with her swimmers and prides herself in her swimmers’ immaculate acceleration in both confidence and skill.
Liezl Mentz
Instructor
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Liezl joined Kiddies Aqua in March 2023. Armed with a BSc in Sport Science Degree from Stellenbosch University, Liezl brings a diverse array of knowledge and experience to her role as a swimming instructor, drawing from backgrounds in early childhood development and the medical industry.
Her upbringing, influenced by both her mother's educational values and her father's expertise in the medical field, has shaped her approach to teaching swimming.
At the core of her philosophy lies the belief in overcoming fear and transforming it into a lifelong skill.
She is passionate about guiding others in mastering the vital skill of swimming, turning what may initially seem daunting into a fun and rewarding activity.
With a dedication to teaching individuals of all ages and abilities, her focus is on fostering an understanding of the water, one's body, and movement within it.
In her swimming classes, she encourages students to embrace bravery and confront their fears head-on.
By breathing in bravery and exhaling fear, we can embark on a journey of growth and confidence in the water.
Cor-Lee van der Walt
Instructor
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Cor-lee joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2022 as a Client Care Coordinator at our Moreleta Park Branch.
Following 18 months of diligent work behind the scenes, she embarked on our six-week, in-house swim training program. Cor-lee is characterized by her exceptional discipline, level-headedness, patience, and goal-oriented approach to her work.
With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, she eagerly absorbs everything about the sport to impart to her students.
She derives immense satisfaction from assisting others in conquering their fear of the water and witnessing their progress as they master new skills.
In her role as a Swimming Instructor, Cor-lee excels in fostering a supportive and encouraging atmosphere for her students. She takes great joy in empowering them to approach the water with confidence and joy, knowing she is positively impacting their lives.
Cor-lee has a particular fondness for teaching children of all ages, with her favorite stroke to teach being Backstroke. She is also brilliant with the Special Needs Kids.
Her infectious energy captivates her students, ensuring that every moment spent with her is a lively and enjoyable learning experience.
Guided by her life philosophy of treating others with kindness and keeping God first, Cor-lee looks up to her mother as a source of strength, passion, and patience.
Stacey Sapsford
Instructor
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Stacey is a dedicated swimming instructor at Moreleta Park, specializing in Learn-to-Swim, Stroke, and Special Needs swimming. Her journey is marked by remarkable achievements and a wide array of interests that contribute to her multifaceted personality.
In her academic career, Stacey has demonstrated exceptional prowess, earning Academic Honours and ranking among the Top 5 in her matriculation year. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom, as she was recognized as a top achiever in sports, arts, and culture during her time at Pretoria High School for Girls. These achievements reflect her well-rounded capabilities and dedication to both intellectual and extracurricular pursuits.
Currently, Stacey holds the prestigious title of South African Latin American Champion, a testament to her skill and passion for dancing. Her interests are not confined to the dance floor; she is also deeply engaged in early childhood development, health and wellness, anatomy and genetics, and languages.
This diverse range of interests showcases her intellectual curiosity and commitment to holistic personal growth. Stacey is known for her admirable qualities, which include devotion, patience, resilience, and passion. These traits are essential in her role as an instructor, where she imparts knowledge and skills with a good sense of humor, making learning an enjoyable and enriching experience for her students.
Her favorite swimming strokes are backstroke and breaststroke, reflecting her proficiency and preference in these styles. Stacey’s life philosophy is a testament to her value for education and continuous learning: "Learning is the greatest gift and most valuable tool that is bestowed upon us - never take it for granted and always be hungry for that which you do not yet know." This belief underpins her approach to teaching and personal development, driving her to continually seek new knowledge and experiences.
In summary, Stacey Sapsford’s profile is a blend of academic excellence, athletic achievement, diverse interests, and personal qualities that make her a dedicated and inspiring instructor at Moreleta Park. Her life and career are guided by a profound respect for learning and an unwavering commitment to growth and excellence.
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Monet Moolman
Instructor
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Monet Moolman started with Kiddies Aqua (Pretoria Branches) in April 2024.
With seven years school teaching experience and a degree in Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase Education, is Monet a fitting match to add superb value to our little swimmers.
With her Remedial Maths Teaching qualification and background, is she is also well-equipped to nurture young minds. Having completed her Learn-to-Swim Course with Swimming South Africa, Monet's dedication to teaching extends both in and out of the pool, especially to young children whom she holds a special passion for.
She also completed a rigorous six-week in-house training program with Lizette to better understand the DNA and unique teaching techniques of our business.
Monet is a talented swimmer herself and competed at provincial and national galas whilst still at school.
Her guiding principle, of “a good foundation is the key to success," resonates deeply with her approach to swimming instruction, recognizing its importance in skill development.
Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou, Monet admires the author's resilience and profound ability to inspire through words, embracing Angelou's wisdom: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
Leslie-Ann Gray
Instructor
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Leslie-Ann joined Kiddies Aqua Swimming Academy at our Montana Branch in November 2022 as a part-time Database assistant. By February 2023, Leslie-Ann transitioned to a full-time role, also taking on the responsibilities of Accounts Manager, Database Manager, and Client Care Co-Ordinator. In October 2023,
Leslie-Ann moved to our Kiddies Aqua Moreleta Park Branch as a Client Care Coordinator, and in November 2023, she transitioned to the Kiddies Aqua Tuks Branch in the same role. Since February 2024, Leslie-Ann has embarked on the rigorous in-house training program with Lizette to become an Instructor while continuing her duties as a Client Care Coordinator.
Leslie-Ann believes in lifelong learning and has pursued various educational qualifications. She is currently working towards her Bachelor of Commerce degree at REGENT Business School. She holds a Higher Certificate in Pre-School Education, which she completed with top honours (Cum Laude) from STADIO Higher Education. Additionally, she has a certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language from The TEFL Academy. Safety is her top priority and she is certified in Basic Life Support and First Aid Procedures Level 2.
She has had the pleasure of working with children in different capacities. She served as an Early Childhood Development Educator, nurturing and educating young minds. In addition to her passion for teaching, she has a deep interest in psychology, especially child psychology. After completing her BCom degree, she will pursue a postgraduate certificate in psychology to further enhance her understanding and skills in this field. Combining her passion for teaching and working with kids has led her to a fulfilling career that unites these two loves.
Why she loves teaching swimming. Swimming is not just a skill, it’s a life-saving ability and a wonderful way to stay active. She loves seeing the joy on kids’ faces when they conquer their fears and learn to swim. Her goal is to make every lesson fun and educational, ensuring each child feels safe and confident in the water.
Zanel Myburg
Instructor
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Zanel joined Kiddies Aqua Centurion in 2023. She is a dedicated swim coach that brings a wealth of experience and a strong educational background to our business. Earlier she completed several courses in Graphic Design and Digital Marketing, but her passion for swim coaching transitioned into a career when she started coaching under Tuks Swimming Club in 2022.
Zanel's competitive swimming career began early, as she swam for Tuks throughout her school years and represented Gauteng Schools in various competitions. She enjoys teaching stroke and stroke correction for swimmers aged 6 to 17, honing her skills and developing a keen eye for advanced technique improvement.
Professionally, Zanel is registered with Swimming South Africa. She recently completed the ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) Level 1 Certification. As a prerequisite she did a rigorous six-week in-house LTS training program with Lizette.
She holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care for our young swimmers. She also renews her Police-, Child Protection- and Sexual Offences Certificates every year. Zanel is enthusiastic about continuing her professional development and looks forward to completing the remaining ASCA levels.
Her passion lies in teaching stroke techniques, where she finds the greatest joy and fulfillment.
She is guided by the philosophy, "It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop," which reflects her commitment to perseverance and continuous improvement.
Zanel admires Hendrik van der Merwe (Paralympic Swimmer and former swim coaching colleague) for his resilience and lifelong commitment to learning, qualities she strives to embody in her own life and career.
Her dedication to swimming, combined with her comprehensive training and inspirational outlook, make her an invaluable asset to the Kiddies Aqua Family.
Mariëtta Herbst
Instructor
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Mariëtta Herbst is an instructor and co-owner at the West Rand/Roodepoort branch.
She holds a B.Ed in Senior Phase FET with eight years of school teaching experience.
She is currently pursuing her Honours in Education and Training. Notable achievements include playing provincial netball and hockey for Gauteng.
Mariëtta is also a certified Self-rescue Water Safety Instructor for Infants and holds a Level 3 certification in First Aid. She renews her Police-, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Clearance Certificates every year to ensure the safety of all participants under her care.
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Her guiding motto in life is- “Live a short while like no one would, so that one day you can live a life like no one can."
Juanita Roets
Instructor
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Juanita Roets, an instructor and co-owner at the West Rand/Roodepoort branch, draws on her experience and love for sport by playing hockey for Gauteng during her school career. She specialises in the Learn-To-Swim Program for all ages and strokes.
She completed a rigorous six-week in-house training program with Lizette at the start of her swim teaching career in 2021. She also holds valid First Aid and CPR-certificates, and renews her Police-, Child Protection- and Sexual Offences Certificates every year to ensure the safety of all participants under her guidance.
Her philosophy in life is - "Healing and growth is not linear, whether it is mental or physical. We tend to forget that it's okay to take a step backward to move forward in the future, ensuring we are strong enough for the greatness ahead."
Madelein Roets
Instructor
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Madelein, a swimming instructor and co-owner at the West Rand/Roodepoort branch, finds joy in working with little swimmers, specializing in the Learn-to-Swim. She particularly enjoys working with learners with special needs (physical or mental challenges).
She contributes tremendously to one of our social upliftment projects where she assists us with the swim teaching of over a hundred children from Prinshof School, a school for visually impaired children.
Madelein completed a rigorous six-week in-house training program with Lizette at the start of her swim teaching career in 2021.
She also holds valid First Aid and CPR-certificates, and renews her Police-, Child Protection- and Sexual Offences Certificates every year to ensure the safety of all participants under her care.
With her strong military background, Madelein brings discipline and dedication to her role as swimming teacher.
Her cherished quote is - "For we live by faith, not by sight."
Rhoné Reynders
Instructor
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Rhoné became our inaugural franchisee, opening her world-class branch in 2018 in Alberton with more than ten other Swimming Instructors in her employment. Married to David Reynders, they are blessed with two “little fishes”, aged 3 (Kara) and 6 (Diané), who both began with our Baby Floating Program at just 5 months old.
With a Diploma in Somatology, Rhoné proudly owned Penguins Swimming Club in Thabazimbi and coached in the school league for five years. During her school days, she excelled as a provincial swimmer and netball player.
She started working as a Swimming Instructor in 2013. Her journey took a significant turn when Lizette introduced her to the Self-rescue Water Program for Babies.
Witnessing the heightened safety and enjoyment of young swimmers in the pool revolutionized her approach entirely.
To stay active, she engages in CrossFit and occasionally partakes and performs exceptionally well in national competitions.
Her guiding quote is, "No one is you, and that is your power."
She is deeply influenced by her father's wisdom, instilling in her the values of perseverance and the importance of prayer in all endeavors.
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Lize Visser
Instructor
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Lize started working for Kiddies Aqua (Namibia) in 2023. She is driven by her deep passion for working with children.
She holds valid First Aid and CPR certificates, and renews her Police-, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Clearance Certificates every year to ensure the safety of all participants under her care.
In addition to her role in aquatics, she is a qualified singer, having earned a grade certificate in singing from Trinity College, London. Moreover, she is skilled in playing the guitar.
In 2023, she had the honor of winning The Voice of Namibia singing competition.
While she enjoys teaching students of all ages, she finds particular joy in instructing the toddlers and pre-schoolers in water safety and the fundamentals of swimming.
Her guiding philosophy, imparted to her by her mother, is deeply ingrained in her approach to life: "You define your circumstances; your circumstances don’t define you.
So, make the best of your circumstances to become the best version of yourself." Her mother is her ultimate role model, exemplifying the qualities of a nurturing and supportive parent.
Nandi Smit
Instructor
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Nandi joined Kiddies Aqua in January 2019. Her journey began serendipitously when she was tasked with a photo shoot for Finesse Magazine at our swim school.
While observing Lizette’s teaching and handling through her camera lens, Nandi felt an immediate desire to become more involved in the world of infant and toddler swimming.
Nandi quickly demonstrated great potential and affection for our young swimmers, showing a friendly, gentle, and soft-hearted approach.
Before opening the new branch, she underwent 400 hours of intensive training with Lizette, learning how to teach babies to float and be water safe. Additionally, she completed Swimming South Africa’s Learn-to-Swim Instructor’s Course and annually her CPR & First Aid Courses.
In January 2021, Nandi opened the Centurion branch as one of our franchisees.
As a dedicated and loving mother of three, Nandi has a deep passion for helping others. Her mission in life is to be the hands and feet of Jesus on earth by serving the community, inspired by her mother who embodied this mission.
Nandi’s commitment and compassionate nature make her an invaluable member of the Kiddies Aqua family.
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Ilze du Plessis
Instructor
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Ilze joined Kiddies Aqua at our Centurion Branch in October 2021, bringing with her a B.Cur Nursing degree and extensive experience in nursing and child care.
With a focus on supporting new mothers and their infants, she navigated them through the challenges of early parenthood. Seeking to continue working with children, Ilze transitioned into the field of teaching swimming, driven by her role as a mother to two energetic boys and her deep concern for water safety and water awareness.
Having completed her Learn-to-Swim diploma through Swimming South Africa and our own rigorous six-week in-house training program, Ilze is very well-equipped and sought-after to educate children and others on swimming techniques. She holds valid First Aid and CPR certificates, and renews her Police-, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Clearance Certificates every year to ensure the safety of all participants under her care.
Ilze draws inspiration from her mother, who exemplifies resilience as a single parent, providing her children with the tools they need for life.
Embracing the philosophy of maximizing one's strengths, she believes in doing the best with the resources at hand.
Her passion lies in teaching the overbridging group, which consists of babies and toddlers who have completed the Baby Floating Program with Nandi, reflecting her dedication to nurturing young swimmers through their aquatic journey.
René du Preez
Instructor
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René du Preez (23 years old) started her career at Kiddies Aqua in 2022 at our Centurion Branch. After completing her matric, she ventured to the Netherlands for a year to work there as an au pair.
Upon her return, she pursued a one-year diploma in interior decorating. At Kiddies Aqua, she completed a rigorous six-week in-house swim training program with Lizette and regularly attends refresher training with the rest of the swim coaching team.
She holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates, and renews her Police-, Child Protection- and Sexual Offences Clearance Certificates every year, ensuring the safety of those under her care. With a strong sense of responsibility, René emerged as one of the top young leaders in the Centurion team.
Within swim teaching, she finds particular joy in guiding students through the over bridging period between the Baby Floating and the Learn-to-Swim phases.
Her life philosophy centers on maintaining faith in God and remaining true to herself. She draws inspiration from her beloved mother, Maryke, whose boundless compassion and optimism serve as a beacon. It is her aspiration to emulate her kindness and unwavering positivity in all aspects of her life.
Elaine Jansen van Rensburg
Instructor
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Elaine joined Kiddies Aqua in 2022 as co-owner of the Namibia branch with her mother, Cheryl Botha. With a background in Business Management and Human Resource Management, and various short courses in the business industry, Elaine initially worked in the aviation industry before discovering her passion for swimming. This passion was sparked when her children, Imke (2) and Anya (5), swam as babies and toddlers with Lizette Botha.
Elaine is qualified in our Self-Rescue Water Safety Program (Baby Floating) and spends most of her time at the swim school and with her children. Apart from the Baby Floating and Learn-to-Swim for toddlers, pre-schoolers, older children and adults her swim school also offers aqua aerobics classes in the early mornings and late afternoons. She completed her Aqua Instructor course through HFPA. She is currently working towards her Personal Training Certificate.
As part of her swim coaching training, Elaine underwent a rigorous three-months Baby Floating and Learn-to-Swim Training Program with Lizette. To ensure the highest standards of safety and care, Elaine holds valid CPR and First Aid Certificates and renews her Police, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Certificates annually.
Her commitment to professional- and personal development is unwavering, as she looks forward to completing more courses in the swimming and fitness industry. Elaine finds the greatest joy and fulfillment in teaching all aspects of swimming, regardless of the age of the swimmer.
She is guided by the philosophy, "You are never too old to learn new things," reflecting her dedication to continuous improvement and perseverance. Her passion for helping people began at a young age, inspired by her mother, who worked as an orthopedic nurse. Meeting Lizette further confirmed Elaine’s passion for swimming and catalyzed her career change. Both her mother and Lizette are her mentors.
Elaine’s dedication to swimming, comprehensive training, and inspirational outlook make her an invaluable asset to the Kiddies Aqua family.