SPAR South Africa making a difference through sports
SPAR South Africa makes a meaningful difference to the local communities in which they operate around the country through initiatives connected to their sports events. Impactful commitments have been integrated into different sports with which SPAR South Africa is involved, including netball, city runs, and hockey, from grassroots to national competitions.
SPAR South Africa tackles period poverty through sports
Period poverty affects millions of girls in South Africa, limiting their education and participation in sports. Lack of access to menstrual products and stigma around periods keep many girls from reaching their full potential.
SPAR South Africa has aligned with the UN goal to end period poverty by 2030. The impact on the lives of girls and women is significant. For example, when girls and women lose their chance at education, they lose lifelong employment opportunities, to fulfil their potential and to contribute to our world on an equal footing to men.
30% of girls in South Africa miss school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. That’s nearly 50 days of missed learning per year. SPAR South Africa is helping change that by turning every netball goal scored into real impact. Through the Telkom Netball League Power Play Shootout, pads are donated to girls in need, ensuring sport continues to empower communities.
A significant highlight of the SPAR Women’s Challenge series is the ongoing SPAR End Period Poverty campaign, aimed at eradicating period poverty by 2030. “Empowerment starts with dignity,” said Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications & Sponsorships Manager at SPAR South Africa. “By tackling challenges like period poverty and supporting GBV prevention programmes, we are making bold strides toward a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive.”
SPAR Women’s Challenge tour marks 35th anniversary
In 2025, the 35th year of this series, the theme selected for the SPAR Women’s Challenge is #Twenty20Thrive. This theme is about transforming self-discovery into action, seizing opportunities, and embracing each moment to live fully and achieve boldly.
Starting in Cape Town in March, the event was unforgettable, setting the scene for runners embracing this year’s theme. The next city to run was Durban, with over 12,000 women running in unity, strength, and celebration. For the second year in a row, this event proudly supported the Sinethemba Women’s Foundation, reinforcing SPAR South Africa’s commitment to uplift and empower women in local communities.
The Mbombela leg of the SPAR Women’s Challenge has grown from humble beginnings with 500 runners to one of the most enjoyed races in Mpumalanga, which is inclusive of both runners and walkers, counting 1,360 runners this year.
As part of the My SPAR My Community campaign, over R350,000 was donated to organisations doing vital work to support and uplift women across the Pretoria region after the SPAR Women’s Challenge Tshwane. These include charities focused on early childhood development, educational support, the fight against Gender-Based Violence, and burn victim care at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital.
Other cities that participate in the SPAR Women’s Challenge during the year are Maritzburg, Gqeberha and Johannesburg.
Sources: SPAR period poverty, SPAR Women’s Challenge
Read more about SPAR South Africa.
About SPAR South Africa
SPAR South Africa was established in 1963 when a license was granted by SPAR International to a local business. Today, the license holder is listed on the Johannesburg stock exchange and operates different retail organisations as well as a robust distribution network. Grocery stores fall into four retail formats: SPAR neighbourhood, SPAR Express (operated as petrol forecourt stores), KWIKSPAR (focusing on convenience in city centres and high footfall locations), and SUPERSPAR Supermarkets (similar to the EUROSPAR format in offer). SPAR South Africa grants sub-licences to independent retailers to operate SPAR branded stores across the country.
