SPAR Women’s Challenge amplifies year-round fight against GBV and Period Poverty

Gqeberha race uses sport and community to reinforce SPAR’s long-standing commitment to prevention, survivor support and safer communities.

Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, 28 September 2026 – Thousands gathered for the SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha on 26 September using one of SPAR’s largest women’s focussed platforms to stand together against gender-based violence (GBV) and reinforce a commitment the retailer continues to drive throughout the year. 

The race took place against a concerning national backdrop. In Ekurhuleni alone the bodies women were discovered between July and September, while nationally Gender Based Violence Command Center received more than six thousand calls in a first 16 days of September. While investigations into the circumstance surround the Ekurhuleni cases continue, 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 the society.

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. LifeLine spoke to the importance of counselling and support for people affected by violence, while Ripples for Change highlighted prevention work with young people. The race beneficiary plans to use R50,000 raised through the event to introduce a programme in rural high schools that equips girls with practical safety tools and engages boys on respect and healthy masculinity.

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.

“What we are seeing in Ekurhuleni, and what continues to happen in communities across our country, deserves the attention of every one of us. These are not stories that should concern us only when they dominate the headlines. Behind every case is a woman, a family and a community living with the consequences of violence,” says Mpudi Maubane, Group Head: PR, Communications & Sponsorships at The SPAR Group.

“For SPAR, the fight against gender-based violence is not confined to moments of national outrage or to the 16 Days of Activism. We have been on this journey for many years, and it 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.”

“Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe, at home, at work, at school, in her relationships and in her community. But 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 end, but our responsibility does 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.

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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