To South African shoppers, SPAR is a trusted brand that meets their requirements for quality, nutritious food, with stores that play an active role in uplifting the communities they serve, whether through support of schools, sport sponsorships or aiding disadvantaged community members. It’s a place where store owners understand their communities’ needs and work to improve lives wherever they can.
Behind the efforts of the independent SPAR retailers is The SPAR Group, whose Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) policy and impact goals transcend rhetoric, prompting actionable change in women empowerment, nutrition, and education. These key areas represent the core of SPAR’s social investment efforts, reflecting its dedication to fostering responsible living and driving meaningful societal change.
At a national level, The SPAR Group supports several sporting programmes although is best known for its 25 years of support of the SPAR Proteas, SA’s national netball team, the SPAR Women’s Challenge and Grand Prix.
“Our unyielding commitment to women’s sports encompasses sports from grass roots to elite athletic levels. By fostering the aspirations of women athletes, SPAR has emerged as a champion of gender equality and a force for the positive transformation of women’s sports”, says Charlene Subbarayan, National Sponsorship & Events Manager at The SPAR Group.
“Through our sponsorship of the SPAR Proteas, and other netball initiatives, we’re promoting teamwork, confidence and the forging of friendships, while offering hope to those who excel in the sport through opportunities for local gifted athletes – breaking them out of the circle of poverty that often defines lives”.
“Whether national or local, we select causes for the value they add to their communities. Equally important is the positive change they bring to people’s lives and the inspiration they offer women and girls. The SPAR brand is a rallying point that adds value to communities nationwide,” says Helen Barrett, National Advertising & Promotions Manager at The SPAR Group.
“We are committed to supporting South African women and their causes, especially where these efforts align with SPAR’s commitment to social welfare and justice, and positively impact society. This support actively advances gender equality by empowering women who are adversely affected by challenges in areas such as education, health and economic opportunities,” says Barrett.
All initiatives undertaken by The SPAR Group have tangible impacts. For instance, the brand collaborates with organisations like Cancervive to raise awareness about cancer detection. It also supports initiatives like the Open-Door Crisis Centre, which provides refuge to victims of domestic abuse. Products, like SPAR Petals feminine hygiene products, which are sold in store for cost price – and donated in their thousands each year to worthy causes across the country – underline SPAR’s commitment to the health and dignity of young female learners (and keep girls in school).
Additionally, SPAR addresses community needs through programmes like Hero Burn, which supports burn survivors – most vitally, children – and Southern Lodestar, which is a partnership through which SPAR addresses the nutrition requirements of communities. Completing the picture is SPAR’s ongoing End Gender-Based Violence education initiative.
This Women’s Month, SPAR further strengthens its dedication to these causes by showcasing the stories and accomplishments of the resilient women who lead these organisations. “The common denominator among these, and most other, brave South African women is that they have personally suffered adversity, illness, injury or social injustice. But, instead of allowing themselves to become victims, they have become advocates for change, put their efforts into assisting others and enabled others to survive and embrace more positive futures,” says Barrett.
Visit www.spar.co.za/Siyanibona to discover the stories of Wendy Cebekhulu, Thalia January, Thora Mansfield, Ray Cassiem and Bongiwe Msomi.
“We take pride in supporting these fearless ladies because by supporting them in their efforts to transform society, The SPAR Group is playing a role in raising national consciousness about issues affecting women, helping them advocate for policy changes, and inspiring others to get involved in similar efforts.”
“The SPAR Group is unequivocally about family, community upliftment, inclusivity, and women’s advocacy. Through our targeted interventions, sponsorship programmes and practical support of women’s causes and sports, we will continue to actively promote the role of women in our society and support transformation for the benefit of all South Africans,” concludes Barrett.
