Gqeberha’s Lifesaving Gamble | Johannesburg News

The 2026 Lifesaving World Championships are set to hit Nelson Mandela Bay with no backup plan in sight—despite only ten weeks left, organizers push forward amid mounting concerns. Over 2,500 international athletes and their teams could inject R350 million into the local economy, but critical infrastructure gaps loom large: Newton Park’s pool, slated for major upgrades including a scoreboard and touchpads, shows zero progress—and officials were even denied access to inspect it. Security at Kings Beach remains unaddressed, while broader issues like roads, streetlights, and overall readiness threaten the city’s credibility for future events. With high stakes and ticking clock, local organizers and council members clash over whether Gqeberha can deliver a flawless global spectacle—or risk becoming a cautionary tale. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/afcca808b95022a3