Johannesburg celebrated another historic title run at the SPAR National Netball Championships, while spreading awareness on gender-based violence and period poverty.
Johannesburg, South Africa (10 December 2025) – The SPAR National Netball Championships returned to Ekurhuleni this week with a powerful mix of sporting excellence and social impact, as more than a hundred teams gathered at Dr. E.G. Jansen Hoërskool for one of the biggest events on Netball South Africa’s calendar. While Johannesburg’s continued dominance on court once again stole the headlines, this year’s tournament carried a deeper purpose, and that’s amplifying the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and period poverty.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa having recently declared GBVF a national disaster, SPAR and Netball South Africa used the championship platform to push urgent national messages. Daily awareness drives, youth dialogues and content created on-site centred heavily on the EndGBV and End Period Poverty campaigns.
The timing also coincided with 16 Days of Activism, amplifying the championship’s off-court mission.
Mpudi Maubane, SPAR’s National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager, calls for safer spaces.
“GBV is not just a societal issue it is an emergency. SPAR stands firmly against GBV. We stand with survivors, we stand with young women, and we stand with every community fighting to build safer spaces.”
NSA President Mami Diale echoed the urgency, emphasising that every South African must play a role in uprooting the crisis.
“Gender-based violence has no place in our society. We need to create safe spaces for those who have experienced GBV, and we must hold perpetrators fully accountable.”
She also praised SPAR’s commitment to ending period poverty, noting that a girl child should not miss school or sports because of this.
But while these campaigns shaped the heart of the tournament, Johannesburg ensured the action on court remained just as compelling. The senior side clinched a thrilling 52–51 victory over Cape Town to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
Johannesburg coach Elsjé Jordaan was relieved after her team held their composure in a nail-biting final minute.
“I actually have no words, I’m so proud.”
Meanwhile, Captain Tinita van Dyk credited their turnaround to resilience.
“I think it was good that we struggled so much on the first day. We just needed to play our own netball until the end.”
Johannesburg’s Under-21 team made it a double celebration, cruising to a confident 44–33 victory in their final to retain their title under the guidance of former SPAR Proteas captain Bongi Msomi.
As the championships wrapped up, the NSA President highlighted the event’s broader legacy.
“This tournament remains one of the most important pillars of our development system. It creates opportunities, strengthens pathways, and continues to uplift netball at every level.”
Sources: Supplied
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