W&RSETA and SPAR champion women empowerment through sport
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.
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.
“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 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.
Through skills development, workplace learning and strategic partnerships, the W&RSETA 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.
“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.
Visit www.spar.co.za or https://thespargroup.com
