By: Lonwabo Mtyeku | Photo Credit: Supplied
Seen Here: PEP mini Netball Ambassador Dumisani Chauke, alongside Dr Elsje Jordaan and Minnette Dempsey, engaged with coaches during a PEP mini Netball Coaching Session at Hluhluwe Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal. The session equipped 91 coaches from 71 schools with practical skills and development strategies aimed at strengthening grassroots netball and nurturing future sporting talent across local communities. Photo Credit: Supplied
HLUHLUWE, KWAZULU-NATAL – PEP has reaffirmed its commitment to growing netball at grassroots level through a successful PEP mini Netball Coaching Session hosted at Hluhluwe Primary School in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The development-focused initiative brought together 91 coaches from 71 schools across the region, providing valuable training, practical skills and educational resources aimed at strengthening youth netball programmes and nurturing future sporting talent.
The coaching session was facilitated by PEP mini Netball Ambassador Dumisani Chauke, alongside respected netball development specialists Dr Elsje Jordaan and Minnette Dempsey, who shared their expertise and experience with attendees.
Investing in Coaches to Develop Future Champions
Recognising the critical role coaches play in athlete development, the workshop focused on equipping participants with practical tools and coaching techniques that can be implemented within schools and local communities.
The training covered various aspects of player development, including skills enhancement, coaching methodologies, player wellbeing and strategies to create positive sporting environments for young athletes.
By empowering coaches, the programme aims to ensure that young netball players across South Africa receive quality guidance, mentorship and opportunities to develop their abilities both on and off the court.
Building Stronger Communities Through Sport
For many schools in rural and under-resourced communities, sport remains a powerful vehicle for personal growth, leadership development and social cohesion.
The Hluhluwe coaching session forms part of the broader PEP mini Netball programme, one of South Africa’s largest grassroots sports development initiatives, which continues to create opportunities for thousands of young players and coaches nationwide.
Through sustained investment in coach education and player development, the programme seeks to strengthen netball structures at school level while promoting participation among young girls across the country.
Growing the Game from the Ground Up
The strong turnout from coaches representing dozens of schools highlights the growing enthusiasm for netball development in KwaZulu-Natal and the importance of accessible training opportunities.
By providing coaches with the knowledge and confidence to lead successful programmes, PEP is helping to build a stronger foundation for the sport while contributing to the long-term growth of netball in South Africa.
As the PEP mini Netball programme continues its nationwide rollout, initiatives such as the Hluhluwe coaching session are ensuring that talent is identified, nurtured and supported at grassroots level, helping shape the next generation of South African netball stars.
With community development, education and sporting excellence at its core, the programme remains a shining example of how investment in grassroots sport can create lasting impact both on and off the court.
