This year’s SPAR Women’s Challenge brought thousands together not just to run, but to stand as one against GBV and reinforce the retailer’s commitment to protecting women, supporting survivors, and building safer communities for everyone.
Gqeberha, South Africa (28 September 2026) – SPAR has long stood firm in its belief that every woman deserves to be supported, safe, and seen. This past Saturday was no different, as thousands gathered in Gqeberha for the SPAR Women’s Challenge – not just to walk or run, but to stand united against gender-based violence (GBV) and reaffirm a commitment SPAR drives every single day of the year.
The race took place during a concerning time for our country. In Ekurhuleni alone, the bodies of several women were discovered between July and September, while the national Gender-Based Violence Command Centre received over 6,000 calls in the first 16 days of September.
While investigations into the circumstances surrounding the Ekurhuleni cases continue, SPAR emphasised that what is emerging from the metro, together with the broader reality of violence faced by women across SA, demands the attention and collective action of all sectors in society.
Honouring the women who have lost their lives to violence
A two-minute moment of silence was observed ahead of the race to remember women who have lost their lives to violence and acknowledge the families and communities who continue to live with its impact. Participants wore black bandanas as a visible symbol of solidarity, creating a collective statement against GBV.
The activation formed part of SPAR’s long-standing EndGBV journey, work that extends beyond individual campaigns, events or commemorative periods. Through partnerships and community initiatives, SPAR’s focus includes prevention and education, survivor support and strengthening access to crucial services for people affected by violence.
“Today was about using a platform that brings thousands of people together to acknowledge a reality that continues to affect women across our country,” says Honey Koba, SPAR Eastern Cape Sponsorship Controller.
“The moment of silence gave us an opportunity to remember the lives that have been lost, while the black bandanas represented our collective solidarity with survivors, families and communities affected by gender-based violence.”
The message continued beyond the starting line. Messaging placed along the race route encouraged participants to reflect on women’s right to safety in every part of their lives.
Representatives from LifeLine and Ripples for Change also addressed participants at the race, bringing the work behind the EndGBV message into focus.
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A year-round fight against GBV and Period Poverty
SPAR’s EndGBV and End Period Poverty has, over the years, sought to address both the immediate impact of violence and the need for long-term prevention.
Through its partnership with LifeLine, SPAR supports counselling services for people affected by violence.
The retailer has also supported Thuthuzela Care Centres, which provide survivors with access to critical care and services, while its prevention initiatives engage young people around gender equality, harmful behaviours and recognising and reporting abuse.
The work with Thuthuzela Care Centers forms an important part of SPAR’s commitment to ensuring that advocacy is accompanied by practical support for survivors, particularly at a time when they are most vulnerable. These efforts recognise that addressing GBV requires immediate support for those affected and sustained work to challenge the behaviours and attitudes that allow violence to continue.
Mpudi Maubane, Group Head: PR, Communications & Sponsorships at The SPAR Group, said that what is happening in Ekurhuleni and in communities nationwide deserves the attention of every one of us, because behind every case is a woman, a family and a community living with the consequences of violence,
She added that for SPAR, the fight against gender-based violence is not confined to moments of national outrage or to the 16 Days of Activism, but has been a journey for many years and is a 365-day commitment.
“That means using our platforms to speak out, but equally supporting practical interventions, from prevention and education to counselling, survivor support and our work with Thuthuzela Care Centres,” says Maubane.
Maubane further emphasised that every woman and girl has the right to feel safe, at home, at work, at school, in her relationships and in her community, but that creating that safety cannot be the responsibility of women alone.
“It requires men, businesses, government, civil society and communities to play their part. The race may have ended, but our responsibility has not. There can be no finish line in the fight against gender-based violence. This requires attention and action 365 days a year, and ultimately our commitment must be measured by the difference we make in people’s lives and communities,” concludes Maubane.
Through its EndGBV platform, SPAR will continue to use its presence in communities across South Africa to support prevention, survivor care, education and practical interventions aimed at creating safer communities for women and girls.
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