Kay Motsepe Schools Championship crowns two U/15 netball winners

The Motsepe Foundation, in partnership with Sanlam, the Department of Basic Education and SA Schools Netball, hosted the 2026 Kay Motsepe Schools Championship U/15 Netball National Finals at Mutango Lodge in the Dinokeng Conservancy, Pretoria, on August 22.

Idlangamabela Secondary School from Mpumalanga and Die Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (AHMP) emerged victorious in their respective streams. Each school will receive R400 000 towards a legacy project of its choice.

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The second- and third-placed schools will receive R200 000 and R100 000 respectively, bringing the total investment across both streams to R1.4m.

The prize money will not be paid directly to the schools in cash, but will instead be allocated to sustainable legacy projects designed to create a lasting impact beyond the tournament.

The tournament brought together 36 schools from all nine provinces, competing in a round-robin format across four groups.

Nineteen schools participated in the Botho Stream, which consists of established and traditional urban schools, while 17 competed in the Ubuntu Stream, comprising developing and rural schools.

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Idlangamabela edged Jabulile 17-15 in the Ubuntu Stream final, while AHMP defeated defending champions Helpmekaar 17-16 to claim the Botho Stream title.

The winning schools will now benefit from legacy investments aimed at supporting their broader school communities. This underscores the championship’s purpose beyond the final whistle: using sport as a platform for youth development, confidence-building and lasting social impact.

Motsepe Foundation co-founder Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe highlighted the transformative power of sport in young people’s lives.

“South Africa has an abundance of sporting talent, but talent alone isn’t enough. Young athletes need platforms, mentorship and investment to reach their full potential. The Kay Motsepe Schools Championship helps create those opportunities. At the Motsepe Foundation, we are proud to celebrate 10 years of supporting young netball talent and to see more institutions investing in sporting excellence among the youth,” said Moloi-Motsepe.

Sanlam Retail Mass executive Julius Sikhuza said investing in young people through sport is central to what Sanlam believes in.

“Sport has a unique ability to bring people together and create opportunities that can change lives. At Sanlam, our purpose is to help people live with confidence, and we know that through sport, young people develop the self-belief, resilience and discipline needed to succeed both on and off the court,” said Sikhuza.

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Sikhuza further stated that the impact of the Kay Motsepe Schools Netball Championship extends far beyond the scoreboard.

He said the championship helps build confidence, leadership and life skills while creating opportunities for young athletes to realise their potential.

“Just as success in sport requires clear goals, careful planning, commitment and discipline, so does financial well-being,” he said.

He added that by investing in initiatives such as this, organisations are empowering the next generation to build brighter futures with confidence.

Chairperson of SA Schools Netball Di Woolley said the weekend was proof of what can be achieved when organisations invest in young people.

“Some of these children may not have had the opportunity to be here without the support of Sanlam and the Motsepe Foundation. It is because organisations like these have seen the vision and the importance of investing in sport,” said Woolley.