Gender-based violence and inclement weather stood no chance against the magenta wave that swept over the Gqeberha beachfront at the weekend.
Despite the morning rain, there was no stopping the 6,000 participants from enjoying the 33rd SPAR Women’s Challenge with friends and family on Saturday.
This year’s edition took on special significance amid the recent series of murders in Gauteng, where the body of a 10th woman was discovered at the weekend.
Though there was plenty of entertainment on offer, including an uplifting DJ set by Lisa Love, radio personalities Mafa Bavuma and KayCee Rossouw as emcees, and drumming by Gino Fabbri, no-one lost sight of why such a huge show of female solidarity was so important.
One of the thousands of women who took the wet weather in their stride was Anelisa Mentemabako, who travelled all the way from Cape Town for the race.
Originally from the Eastern Cape, she did not want to miss the chance to run only her second-ever 10km after failing to make the entry cutoff for the Mother City leg of the Women’s Challenge.
As much as she revelled in the atmosphere of the day, she also recognised that the event was far bigger than athletics.
“It was lovely on the route with people cheering us on,” she said.
“But it is very important that we get together as a society to show solidarity to fight GBV.”
Among the strongest voices speaking out against violence against women and children was singer, dancer and choreographer Zintle Kwaaiman.
During her performance, which had thousands dancing in front of the stage, she urged women to leave their abusers, even if that meant ending up on the street.
She told her audience that the time had come for women to stand up and fight back against the murders and rapes plaguing the nation.
Rahab Kgabo, a wellness counsellor at longtime SPAR Women’s Challenge partner LifeLine, reminded those in attendance that the killings in Gauteng signalled a sickness in society that ultimately affected all families, colleagues and friends.
“We must speak up when we see abuse, support survivors and refuse to remain silent when women are threatened,” she said.
Galit Cohen, founder of race beneficiary Ripples for Change, was overwhelmed by the scenes at Pollok Beach.
It was “stunning to see we have so much power when we get together”, she said.
“I feel it’s acknowledgment of our power, all these women coming out in the rain and walking in the rain. It warms my heart.”
The organisation is using its R50,000 donation to launch a GBV prevention programme in high schools where girls will be taught self-defence techniques and boys given lessons in healthy masculinity and respect.
Maureen Lamb, founder of the family retailer’s second beneficiary for 2026, Northwood Children’s Hospice in Gqeberha, described the event as a “very special occasion”.
“Everyone is so friendly and eager to get going. It’s a joy to see,” she said.
Northwood intends building a paediatric palliative care centre with a special-needs therapeutic and educational support centre.
It will be putting its R50,000 allocation towards completing the restoration work at 6 Northwood Road, where three additional wings are also part of the plan.
The Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) in Nelson Mandela Bay, which manufactured this year’s magenta-coloured race gear, was widely praised for the quality of its products.
APD also won hearts and minds with its 250m walk for differently-abled people.
“It’s amazing to see all the positive vibes. It gives us all hope, particularly for persons with disabilities to be part of such an amazing event,” APD NMB director Cecilia Fourie said.
“We just want to thank SPAR for giving us the opportunity.”
Another highlight of the day was the lucky draw for a new Hyundai Exter.
Five numbers were drawn, with each of these individuals handed a key that could potentially unlock the vehicle. Sisipho Matiwana, 19, emerged as the winner.
The marquee 10km race, which forms part of the SPAR Grand Prix series, was again won by Glenrose Xaba, who was only five seconds off her national record of 31:12.
She was followed home by Boxer Athletics Club teammate Karabo More (32:21) and Ethiopian Nedbank runner Selam Gebre (32:33).
SPAR Eastern Cape sponsorship manager Honey Koba was very happy with the turnout and spirit of the day.
“I had quite a few ladies telling me they walked with complete strangers, talking, laughing and sharing beautiful moments together,” she said.
“This year we were very intentional about using the platform to take a strong stance against GBV and that message was woven throughout the event.
“We are proud of how everything came together thanks to our partners, suppliers and volunteers. It was a powerful day for SPAR and Gqeberha.”