Western Cape celebrates national netball champions

Western Cape celebrates national netball champions

3 August 2026

Western Cape schools delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 DStv Schools Netball Challenge, with two provincial teams crowned national champions.

The competition is divided into two streams, Botho and Ubuntu, ensuring that schools from both rural/developing and urban/established areas have an equal opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage.

Following three days of high-intensity competition, Khanyolwethu Secondary School emerged as the Ubuntu Stream champions, while Hoërskool Gimnasium Paarl claimed the title in the Botho Stream.

In addition to their gold medals, both schools have won an all-expenses-paid trip to England during the September school holidays.

It was the first time in Paarl Gimnasium’s history that their U19A team has won this tournament. It is also the first time the team has won both the Wildeklawer Tournament and the South African Schools Championship in the same year.

Saphokazi Tshikini, Khanyolwethu Secondary School Principal, said they were honoured and grateful to have been crowned netball champions. “This achievement is the result of the dedication, discipline and hard work of players, coaches, school management, parents and the entire school community. Wining this title and earning the opportunity to represent South Africa in England is a dream come true for our team. We hope our success inspires other young athletes to believe that, with commitment, teamwork and perseverance, anything is possible.”

She expressed appreciation for the support of the DStv Schools Netball Challenge, the Department of Basic Education and all stakeholders who continue to create opportunities for young people to excel in sport.