NMBM STREGNTHENS GLOBAL SPORTING REPUTATION
Published: April 13, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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Nelson Mandela Bay continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for sport tourism, with the Nelson Mandela Bay–sponsored IRONMAN South Africa African Championship standing out as a flagship event that delivers significant economic and social value to the Metro. The 2025 edition of the event once again demonstrated the City’s capability to host world-class international competitions, attracting athletes and visitors from across the globe.
According to the 2025 event report, IRONMAN African Championship drew over 2,000 visitors linked to 990 registered athletes, with participants travelling from countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States, and Russia. The event generated approximately R87.9 million in direct economic spend within Nelson Mandela Bay, with visitors staying an average of four nights and contributing to over 35,000 overnight stays across the Metro. This level of activity provided a substantial boost to key sectors such as accommodation, hospitality, transport, and local businesses.
Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe said the continued success of the IRONMAN African Championship reflects the City’s strategic focus on leveraging sport as a catalyst for economic growth and destination marketing:
"Although the growth we have seen is not surprising, it is encouraging. It shows that our strategic efforts are consistently yielding positive momentum. Events such as the IRONMAN African Championship are not only about sport, but about driving tourism, stimulating economic activity, and creating opportunities for our residents. As a City, we will continue to leverage and invest in such events while improving our tourism offerings.”
Beyond the economic impact, the event continues to create meaningful opportunities for community involvement and job creation. More than 1,300 volunteers participated in the 2025 event, including local schools, sports clubs, and community organisations, contributing to skills development and community upliftment. In addition, the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust raised over R1.7 million, directly benefiting 18 registered charities within the region, further reinforcing the event’s social impact.
The event also delivered significant global exposure for Nelson Mandela Bay, with the race broadcast live to international audiences and generating strong digital engagement across social media platforms. This visibility plays a critical role in positioning the City as a competitive and attractive destination for future international events and tourism.
The Municipality remains committed to building on this success as it prepares for upcoming editions of the IRONMAN African Championship, ensuring that the event continues to deliver lasting economic, social, and tourism benefits for Nelson Mandela Bay and its residents.
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