Charlestown came alive this past weekend as the community gathered for the much-anticipated Netball Women’s Cup 2025, hosted by the Difference Makers Youth Organization in partnership with Sakhisizwe Production Youth Project and Sukumzenzele.
The day opened with a moving 2km Commemoration Walk from the Charlestown SAPS, which brought together young people, coaches, and community members to raise awareness about Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). Participants carried placards, wore purple ribbons, and chanted unity slogans, reinforcing the message that sport can be a strong voice in the fight against violence.
Following the walk, a stakeholder engagement session was held with coaches, team leaders, and community representatives. The dialogue focused on using netball and other sports as tools for empowerment, equality, and building safer communities.
With the theme #ScoreForEquality #NetballUnites, the tournament captured the spirit of resilience and hope. Both junior and senior divisions delivered thrilling matches, drawing loud cheers from parents, supporters, and spectators who filled the Charlestown Community Centre grounds.
🏐 Junior Division Results
- Champions: Ingogo Primary School – displaying skill and teamwork, they dominated the finals.
- 2nd Place: Clavis Primary School – fought hard but fell short in a nail-biting contest.
- 3rd Place: Amahobe Primary School – proved themselves as rising stars with an inspiring performance.
🏐 Senior Division Results
- Champions: Qhubulwazi Combined School – crowned new champions after a series of stunning victories.
- 2nd Place: Charlestown High School – showed determination and gave the crowd a memorable final clash.
- 3rd Place: Elangwane Secondary School – secured a well-earned podium finish.
The event was more than just a sports competition; it was a celebration of community unity, youth development, and women’s empowerment.
Organizers expressed deep appreciation to their sponsors and partners, whose support made the tournament possible:
- Men’s Sector
- Department of Sports, Arts and Culture
- 199xKid Clothing Brand
- Vuka Pixley Newspaper
- Newcastle FM
- Newcastle Department of Social Development (Amajuba District)
- Aquelle
The Difference Makers Youth Organization extended special thanks to the participating teams and the Charlestown community for showing up in numbers, creating a festive and supportive atmosphere.
“This tournament was not just about netball – it was about raising voices against GBVF, celebrating women in sport, and uniting our community,” said The Event Coordinator & Secreatary in their closing remarks.
The Netball Women’s Cup 2025 concluded with smiles, celebrations, and a renewed commitment to equality. With the success of this year’s edition, Charlestown has once again proven that when communities come together through sport, change is possible.
