President of Netball South Africa, Ms Mami Diale (left), and the Area Commissioner of Bethal Management Area (far right) congratulate the LMN men’s team,
while the Gauteng Ladies netball team proudly display their trophy.
The National Netball Championships served up thrilling encounters, with regional teams showcasing their talent in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The air in Secunda buzzed with energy and the squeak of trainers on polished courts. From 18 to 21 May 2026, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Bethal Management Area, transformed the Sasol Community Club into a battleground of agility, grit, and national pride for the National Netball Championships.
Male and female officials from various DCS regions took to the court with one clear goal: to boost employee wellness through sport, teamwork, and healthy competition.
Acting Deputy Regional Commissioner of the Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West (LMN) Region, Ms Ronel Pretorius, officially opened the event. She welcomed all athletes to the LMN Region and wished them a successful tournament and an enjoyable stay.
The three-day championships kicked off in chilly weather, but the cold did not dampen the players’ spirits. They displayed high morale, fierce competitiveness, and strong camaraderie, fuelled by cheering supporters.
In the end, the LMN males and Gauteng ladies reached the finals and successfully defended their National Netball Championship titles, which they had won in Kroonstad in 2024.
LMN beat KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) 16–09, while Gauteng edged out Western Cape (WC) 21–19 in the finals. WC males beat Eastern Cape (EC) 19–16 to secure third place, and KZN ladies overcame the Free State and Northern Cape (FS & NC) team by a score margin of 17–15 to take third position.
On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, the DCS National Executive Team of the National Netball Team led a community outreach programme. They extended a helping hand to the Inkosinami Drop-in Centre in eMbalenhle, donating groceries to the centre, which cares for 72 underprivileged children.
During the closing ceremony, each winning team received gold medals and a trophy. The first runners-up earned silver medals, and the second runners-up received bronze medals. The best players in each position also walked away with trophies for outstanding performances:
Males
- Sonwabo Mgidi (EC) – Best Shooter
- Tshepo Moruane (EC) – Best Mid-Court
- Sipho Mbanjwa (KZN) – Best Defender
- Athenkosi Kama (EC) – Player of the Tournament
Females
- Nomfundo Mhlana (WC) – Best Shooter
- Bongiwe Qwesha (Gauteng) – Best Mid-Court
- Khanyisa Fondini Mbizela (FS & NC) – Best Defender
- Mapaseka Lephuthing (WC) – Player of the Tournament
Afterwards, the organisers announced 30 players nominated to play for the DCS Netball National Team – 15 men and 15 ladies.