# Nelson Mandela Bay races to host lifesaving world champs > With 39 days until the Lifesaving World Championships, Gqeberha scrambles to finish pool repairs, install timing equipment and fix a recurring sewage spill at Kings Beach. - Title: Nelson Mandela Bay races to host lifesaving world champs - Summary: With 39 days until the Lifesaving World Championships, Gqeberha scrambles to finish pool repairs, install timing equipment and fix a recurring sewage spill… - Keywords: lifesaving world championships, nelson mandela bay, gqeberha, kings beach, newton park swimming pool, lifesaving south africa, community organisations, sewage spill, venue preparation, news, politics, Nelson - Source: Daily Maverick — https://dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-10-18-lifesaving-world-champs-put-nelson-mandela-bay-to-the-test - Author: Riaan Marais - Published: 2026-10-18T21:15:01+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: lifesaving world championships, nelson mandela bay, gqeberha, kings beach, newton park swimming pool, lifesaving south africa, community organisations, sewage spill, venue preparation, news, politics ## World champs coming to Nelson Mandela Bay The Lifesaving World Championships will open on twenty-five November in Gqeberha. The event runs until thirteen December and expects more than two thousand five hundred competitors plus crews and supporters. ## Economic boost expected The event is expected to inject an estimated three hundred fifty million rand into the local economy. Visitors are expected from all over the world. ## Pool repairs still underway Newton Park Swimming Pool will host a large number of competitive events. Loose tiles mean the pool is not up to standard. Officials still need to procure a scoreboard, screens and poolside touchpads for timekeeping. ## Pool facility needs more work The Newton Park facility also needs a fresh coat of paint before welcoming upwards of two thousand five hundred international competitors. The pool has been drained and repairs are ongoing. ## Touchpads installation delayed Acquiring and installing the touchpads will be done as soon as the appointment of the relevant service provider has been finalised. Required screens are being installed. ## Kings Beach needs upgrades Kings Beach was earmarked as the key beachfront venue but was in dire need of upgrades to its ablution facilities, lighting in and around the parking area and nearby promenade. ## Security concerns at beachfront Security concerns stretched beyond lighting. Challenges around overgrown vegetation in public spaces, which often housed vagrants, was another big question mark at Kings Beach. ## Lighting plan for entire coastline There is a plan in place to light up the entire coastline from Wells Estate all the way to First Beacon. Kings Beach and main tourist beaches are right in the middle of that section. ## Community groups step in to help Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch teams have been working alongside municipal contractors to trim back overgrown bushes around Kings Beach for beautification and security. ## TidyNMB highlights progress and problems Community movement TidyNMB praised the municipality for maintenance on wooden fencing along Marine Drive. But at the weekend, TidyNMB also highlighted a recurring sewage spill at Kings Beach parking lot. ## Sewage spill creates urgent problem A recurring sewage spill at the Kings Beach parking lot leads to a foul-smelling health hazard at one of the World Championship's crucial venues.With just thirty-nine days until the event begins, this needs urgent investigation. > With just 39 days until the Lifesaving World Championship begins, this needs urgent investigation and a coordinated response. ## Officials say they are ready Sinebhongo Kwatsha, mayoral committee member overseeing sport, said feedback from weekly meetings between the municipality and Lifesaving South Africa's local organising committee was positive. She said deadlines are tight but everything is still on schedule. > The short answer is, we are ready. ## LSA confident despite tight timeline Lifesaving South Africa board member Dhaya Sewduth said the collaboration between the host organisation, the municipality and the local business community has been outstanding. > We are working hard, and deadlines are tight, but we are confident that we will host a great event. ## Key takeaway Nelson Mandela Bay is racing to complete venue upgrades before hosting the Lifesaving World Championships from November twenty-fifth to December thirteenth, with community groups helping despite concerns over sewage spills and equipment procurement.