Nelson Mandela Bay has once again made waves on the continental sports stage, officially solidifying its status as Africa’s triathlon capital. From 5–6 April 2025, the city proudly hosted the African Triathlon Championships, an elite event that welcomed over 300 top-tier athletes and drew an enthusiastic crowd of nearly 4,000 supporters from across the globe.
Building on the momentum of last month’s Ironman Triathlon Championships, held from 28–30 March, the African Triathlon Championships brought world-class competition to our shores—along with a 100% hotel occupancy rate that speaks volumes about the event’s scale and impact.
Elite athletes from 11 African nations, including Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe, competed for top honours. And in a historic moment for the continent, this year’s race featured Africa’s largest-ever paratriathlon field. Junior athletes also pushed their limits, aiming to secure coveted slots in the upcoming World Championships.
But the weekend wasn’t just about athletic excellence. High-level visitors, including presidents from World Triathlon and Africa Triathlon, were in attendance—not just to cheer on competitors, but to assess Nelson Mandela Bay’s readiness to potentially host a World Cup Triathlon event in 2026. Their feedback? Overwhelmingly positive.
“The support we received from the Municipality has been great and has actually made this event the success that it was,” said Michael Zoetmulder, Managing Director of Zsports Events, the team behind the weekend’s flawless execution. “The work that has been done so far is a solid foundation for us to host the Triathlon World Cup.”
Nelson Mandela Bay’s investment in triathlon is more than a one-off. Through a three-year sponsorship programme, the Municipality continues to provide crucial funding and logistical support. Senior officials from the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Directorate are also actively involved in planning and executing the event.
Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe shared her pride in what this event means for the city and the continent:
“The African Triathlon Championship in Nelson Mandela Bay stands as a testament to the spirit of excellence, unity, and resilience that defines our continent. This prestigious event not only showcases the remarkable talent of athletes from across Africa and the world, but it also embodies the values of determination, sportsmanship, and community.”
Garry Williams, President of Nelson Mandela Bay Triathlon, echoed this sentiment:
“We are pleased with the success and the hard work that has been put into it. The Municipality has been a great host and partner. We’ve received commendation from African and World Triathlon leadership—and from their feedback, I believe we’ve passed the test.”
From passionate spectators to international recognition, the message is clear: Nelson Mandela Bay isn’t just hosting Africa’s biggest triathlon events—it’s redefining what’s possible.
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