Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo
26 May 2026
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Bethal Management Area, hosted the National Netball Championships at the Sasol Community Club in eMbalenhle from 18-21 May 2026.
Male and female officials representing various DCS regions across South Africa partook in the tournament.
An outreach was also undertaken to extend a helping hand to InkosinamiDrop-in Centre of EMbalenhle Ext. 14 to donate groceries to the centre that is home to 72 children.
The objective of the event is to promote employees’ wellness and healthy competition. It also aims to sustain moral uplifting and building social coexistence amongst officials.
The event was officially opened by the acting Deputy Regional Commissioner of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West (LMN) Region, Ms. Ronel Pretorius. In her remarks, she welcomed all visitors to LMN Region and appreciated the participants for availing themselves.
She further wished visitors to enjoy their stay as they would be in the capable hands of Bethal Management Area.
The three-day Championships were full of agility and dynamism. Inside the court, players displayed high morals of contending and camaraderie. Outside the court, supporters were cheering and singing to keep themselves warm in the chilly weather.
Ultimately, LMN Males and Gauteng Ladies Netball teams reached the finals and managed to successfully retain their titles of National Netball Championships that they won in Kroonstad, in 2024.
It was after LMN beat KwaZulu Natal (KZN) 16-09, while Gauteng beat Western Cape (WC) 21-19 in the finals.
WC males beat Eastern Cape 19-16 to secure third position. KZN ladies beat Free State/Northern Cape (FS/NC) 17-15 to obtain the third position.
In closing ceremony, each winning team was bestowed with Gold Medals and a trophy, first runners-up received Silver Medals, and second runners-up were awarded with Bronx Medals. The best players that demonstrated outstanding performance in their respective positions were awarded trophies.
