Pray the News

Abstract

“The goal to renovate the Newton Park Swimming Pool in time for the Lifesaving World Championships in November looks set to go down to the wire as delays continue to plague the work — several months after it was due to get under way. When a Herald team visited the pool on Thursday, there was no sign of any renovations underway and the gates, which were closed in mid-April to allow for the work to begin, were still locked. The situation appeared to support the concerns raised last week by Ward 7 councillor Brendon Pegram, who called for answers from the acting city manager. The matter was then confirmed on Thursday evening by metro communications director Sithembiso Soyaya. ‘The renovations have been delayed by supply chain processes,’ he said. ‘However, we are confident that by the time of the lifesaving championships, the renovations that are required for the hosting of the event will be done.’”

More Background

The Lifesaving World Championships (LWC 2026) run from 25 November to 13 December 2026. Beach events will be held at Kings Beach, while stillwater (pool) events will be held at the Newton Park Swimming Pool, a 50-metre heated indoor Olympic-size facility with a covered grandstand, 25-metre warm-down pool, and facilities suited to international standards. Lifesaving South Africa (LSA), with local support, secured the hosting rights after Morocco withdrew because its planned Olympic pool would not be ready. It is the first time the event has returned to Africa in over three decades. Organisers expect thousands of athletes, with estimates ranging from 2,500 to 3,500 international competitors plus local ones, officials, coaches and supporters from more than 40 countries. The projected economic boost for Nelson Mandela Bay is at least R350 million, mainly through tourism, accommodation, transport and related spending. LSA itself expects to incur high costs to stage it. Newton Park has hosted major South African aquatic and lifesaving events, including recent national championships. Required upgrades for LWC include an electronic timing system, touch pads, new or compliant starting blocks, repairs to the pool basin, painting, lighting improvements, and related infrastructure work to meet safety and operational standards.

Prayer Guidelines

We invite you to pray for the following:

1. Municipal procurement and supply-chain bureaucracy

Lord, we pray for wisdom, integrity, and efficiency in the municipal procurement and supply-chain processes affecting the Newton Park Swimming Pool renovations. Remove unnecessary obstacles, delays, and red tape so that necessary materials, contracts, and approvals move forward promptly and justly. “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5) May those handling tenders, supply chains, and approvals act with diligence and fairness, remembering that “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)

2. Slower-than-needed project execution

Father, we ask You to accelerate the actual work on the ground. Stir the hearts of all involved—officials, contractors, and workers—so that once processes clear, the renovations proceed with urgency, skill, and excellence, finishing in time for the championships. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10) Help them work “heartily, as for the Lord and not for men” (Colossians 3:23), overcoming the slower-than-needed pace so that what should have been completed months ago is now finished without further delay.

3. Accountability

God of justice, we pray for clear accountability among municipal leaders, managers, and departments responsible for this project. Bring transparency, honest communication, and a willingness to answer for progress (or the lack of it), so that the community’s trust is restored and resources are stewarded faithfully. “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2) May each one give an account as Scripture teaches: “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12), and may leaders “know well the condition” of the work under their care (Proverbs 27:23).

Sample Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We bring the renovations at Newton Park Swimming Pool before You. We pray that the procurement processes and supply-chain delays be resolved, and for the work that has lagged to start as soon as possible and for it to be finished on time. We pray for a sense of accountability for every official and labourer involved. Help them to work heartily, as for the Lord, and to be found faithful.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Today’s Scripture Chest with keywords

• Proverbs 21:5 – diligence versus poverty
• Proverbs 11:1 – false balances
• Ecclesiastes 9:10 – mightily
• Colossians 3:23 – heartily
• 1 Corinthians 4:2 – faithful stewards
• Romans 14:12 – accountability
• Proverbs 27:23 – careful leaders