Learners from Thembu Primary School from Pimville in Soweto, had an exciting and memorable experience as they participated in the Pep Mini Netball Tournament held on 18 April 2026 at Laerskool Esperanza.
The event, organised by Pep in partnership with the district, brought together young netball players from across the region in a vibrant celebration of sport, development, and fun.
Thembu Primary made a strong impression on the day, particularly with their Under-9 team securing an impressive 8–0 victory, while four of their learners stood out and were rewarded with Pep vouchers for their performance.
Speaking as one of the organisers, Bernice Beukes, the D-10 District Convenor for Mini-Netball, highlighted that the main aim of the tournament was to create a platform where young players could develop their skills in an enjoyable and inclusive environment.
She explained that over 17 schools participated, with around 10 teams per age group, and the turnout was excellent, with strong support from parents and the broader community.
“The aim is to provide a unique platform where skills are developed in a fun way, ensuring that our young players build confidence and succeed both on and off the court,” she said.
Bernice, also emphasised that the focus at this level is not just competition, but enjoyment and growth, with mini-netball designed to allow players to learn different positions and build confidence.
The impact of the tournament extended beyond the matches themselves. Pep played a major role in supporting the initiative, providing learners with food packs, T-shirts, bucket hats, and goody bags, adding excitement and motivation for the young athletes.
The day was filled with fun activities such as face painting, colouring competitions, and interactive games, creating a festive atmosphere that made the experience even more memorable for the children.
According to Bernice, programmes like these are essential in shaping confident young girls and nurturing future netball talent within the district.
Thembu Primary also competed against Mdelwa Hlongwane Primary in league matches that were played at Laerskool Esperanza, continuing to showcase their growing strength in netball across different age groups.
Thembu Primary School’s principal, Miss Ntabeni, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity: “Thank you to Pep Mini Netball and the district for giving our children the opportunity to participate in this festival. It allows them to develop their skills, build confidence, and grow in netball from an early stage. We truly appreciate the effort put into creating such a valuable platform for our young players.”
With performances like these and continued support from partners, Thembu Primary is clearly building a strong foundation for future sporting success.
