6 August 2026 | Johannesburg: The Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) is proud to partner with SPAR South Africa for the 2026 SPAR National Netball Championships, taking place from 6 to 11 August 2026 at Stellenberg High School in Cape Town.
As one of the W&RSETA’s valued stakeholder companies, SPAR continues to demonstrate that business has a critical role to play in developing talent, empowering communities and creating opportunities for young South Africans. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in women and girls, both on and off the court.
“For more than 25 years, SPAR has invested in growing women’s netball in South Africa – from the SPAR Proteas and SPAR Baby Proteas to the senior and under-21 national championships. This commitment is about more than simply supporting competitions; it is about creating visibility, opportunity and stronger pathways for women and girls through sport. During Women’s Month, the SPAR National Netball Championships give us a powerful platform to showcase South Africa’s talent while advancing our SPAR End Gender-Based Violence and End Period Poverty programmes, which directly address two very concerning issues facing South African women and girls. Together with participating partners such as the W&RSETA, we are committed to using the reach of netball to amplify women’s voices and help build a safer, more equal society,” said Mpudi Maubane, Group PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager at The SPAR Group.
Sport has the power to inspire confidence, build resilience, develop leadership and foster teamwork—qualities that are equally essential in the modern workplace. Through this partnership, the W&RSETA aims to encourage young women to see themselves not only as athletes, but as future professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders who can shape South Africa’s retail sector and economy.
As the retail sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by technology, innovation and changing consumer expectations, the country needs a new generation of future-ready women equipped with the skills, confidence and leadership capabilities to thrive. The SPAR National Netball Championships provide an ideal platform to inspire girls to pursue education, skills development and career opportunities within one of South Africa’s largest employment sectors.
Beyond the excitement of competition, the partnership seeks to expose the community to the diverse career pathways available across the Wholesale and Retail Sector, from store operations, logistics and supply chain management to merchandising, digital commerce, marketing, finance and executive leadership.
Women continue to make significant contributions to South Africa’s retail industry, and the W&RSETA remains committed to expanding opportunities that enable them to participate meaningfully in the economy. Through skills development, workplace learning and strategic partnerships, the SETA is helping build a pipeline of capable women leaders who will drive innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The partnership also reinforces the W&RSETA’s commitment to advancing gender equality and supporting national efforts to combat gender-based violence and femicide. By creating safe spaces where women and girls are seen, heard and empowered, the championships send a powerful message that every girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her dreams free from violence, discrimination and inequality.
“The W&RSETA believes that empowering women through education, skills development and leadership opportunities is fundamental to building an inclusive and competitive economy. Our partnership with SPAR demonstrates what can be achieved when industry and the skills development sector work together to invest in the next generation of women leaders,” said W&RSETA Chief Executive Officer, Tom Mkhwanazi.
As the nation celebrates the determination, discipline and excellence displayed throughout the Championships during this Women’s Month, the W&RSETA congratulates every athlete participating in this year’s tournament and wishes all teams success.
Together with SPAR, the W&RSETA is proud to champion a future where every girl has the confidence to lead, the skills to succeed and the opportunity to realise her full potential.
About The SPAR Group:
The SPAR Group Ltd (SPAR or the group) is a warehousing and distribution business listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in the Food and Drug Retailers sector. The group owns the SPAR retail brand, but, essentially, supports a network of independent retailers who trade under our brand through our distribution centres. SPAR forms part of SPAR International, which is present in 44 countries and has 240 distribution centres that serve 13 million customers every day. The SPAR Group Ltd, headquartered in Durban, South Africa, is present in nine countries, has 10 distribution centres and serves 3 768 retail members through 14 store formats every day.
For more, please visit www.spar.co.za or https://thespargroup.com
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