With the clock ticking down to the SA Schools Water Polo Interprovincial Tournament in December — the world’s largest schools water polo event — concerns over the green, unplayable pools at Joan Harrison Swimming Pool have been dismissed by Border Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) and the Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), who remain confident that the tournament, expected to inject R40m into the local economy, will go off without a hitch.
At the start of the month, residents raised alarm on social media about the state of the pools, but BKCOB CEO Lizelle Maurice reassures the public that the issue has been resolved. She attributes the temporary greening to a delay in the handover between chemical service providers, compounded by mandatory annual training for handling pool chemicals.
“The pools are looking good, and we are confident that the event will proceed smoothly,” Maurice said.
The event, from December 9-13, will see the city host 1,578 players, 421 games, 241 officials, and attract 3,500 spectators over two weeks.
This is also the beginning of a three-year cycle to host the IPT, which is expected to bring in a stability in terms of revenue generation from 2024 to 2027.
Buffalo City municipality spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya confirmed that the necessary maintenance at the Joan Harrison facility was on track and that chlorine gas had been delivered to top up the pools, and only routine cleanup, like grass cutting, remained.
Ngwenya said no upgrades were needed at the facility, only repairs to a baby pool damaged in storms earlier this year, which was being addressed through municipal insurance.
Maurice said the tournament was an opportunity to showcase Buffalo City as a premier sports tourism destination. The municipality acknowledged this by waiving fees for use of the facility during the tournament period.
“From infrastructure to service, the chamber and the IPT local organising committee is working with BCM to ensure service delivery and to repair roads in and around Joan Harrison,” Maurice said.
International World Aquatics referee and former SA Schools IPT player Luke Penny underscored the tournament’s importance in developing young talent.
“The IPT is foundational for Water Polo SA. It offers young athletes exposure, experience and camaraderie, which are crucial for growth.
“However, retaining these players beyond school remains a challenge, especially given SA’s limited competitiveness on the international stage,” he said.
Penny called for greater investment to bridge this gap and foster a stronger pipeline of talent.
Swimming SA president Alan Fritz echoed the economic and developmental potential of events like the IPT. “Sports tourism is a significant revenue generator, and the IPT’s two-week duration offers substantial economic benefits. Joan Harrison is a prime facility, capable of hosting multiple aquatic disciplines, which is why Swimming SA envisions it as a hub for high-performance training,” Fritz said.
He stressed the need for synergy between local government and sports federations to maximise opportunities for development and inclusivity. “Building single-use facilities is a waste. Partnering with schools and under-resourced areas for shared facilities ensures sustainability and protection.”
Fritz also warned that the city must step up its efforts to secure future events. “The IPT rotates every three years and losing it would mean forfeiting millions in revenue. Buffalo City must prioritise safety, infrastructure, and service to maintain its standing as a host city,” he said, adding that water polo’s resurgence in schools offers a promising avenue for growth if the necessary resources and training are provided.
As the SA Schools IPT approaches, the stakes are high for Buffalo City. With 10 provinces participating across nine pools and an influx of visitors expected, the tournament is set to leave a lasting impact on the local economy and the development of water polo in SA.
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