PEP mini Netball inspires a generation – and reaches every province
PEP Mini Netball
Staats Primary School, which hosted the very first PEP mini Netball festival in the Northern Cape, brought together young netball players from schools across the region, all eager to showcase their budding talent.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The netball courts at two of Kimberley’s Primary Schools were recently abuzz with excitement as teachers and coaches gathered for a transformative PEP mini Netball coaching workshop and festival – part of a dynamic nationwide initiative now in its third successful year.
At Eureka Primary, coaches and teachers from schools across the area were guided through an engaging and motivational programme by Minnette Dempsey, renowned Team Culture Coach and Motivational Speaker from Sportisimo. Dempsey focused on helping coaches not only master technical netball training, but also connect with young players on a personal level – highlighting mentorship, communication, and trust-building.
Minnette Dempsey, Motivational Speaker and Team Culture Coach
Image: Danie van der Lith
On the courts, Dr Elsje Jordaan, Sports Scientist at Sportisimo and coach of the Golden Fireballs, conducted practical training sessions that tackled movement, positioning, and skill-building. Her hands-on approach offered insights that coaches could immediately apply back in their schools and communities.
This blend of emotional intelligence and technical training embodies PEP’s holistic vision for youth development through sport.
Dr Elsje Jordaan, Sports Scientist and Golden Fireballs Coach is seen working with some of the players at Eureka Primary.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The Northern Cape’s first PEP mini Netball festival
Just days after the workshop, the excitement shifted to Staats Primary School, which hosted the first-ever PEP mini Netball festival in the Northern Cape. Schools from across the region sent their budding players, and the courts were soon alive with spirited competition, joy, and community celebration.
Parents lined the sidelines, proudly cheering their daughters. For many young girls, it was their first taste of organised sport – a moment that may well mark the beginning of lifelong passion.
These Northern Cape events were just two highlights from a growing national success story. Since launching in 2023, the PEP mini Netball programme has now reached all nine provinces. Starting with Gauteng, Free State, and the Western Cape, the initiative expanded to Limpopo, North West, and Northern Cape in 2024, and in 2025 completed its national footprint by including KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape.
Hands-on help for budding stars
With 40 mini netball festivals and nine coaching workshops held nationwide, the programme has empowered thousands of Under-7, Under-8, and Under-9 girls, alongside their coaches, to grow in confidence and build lifelong connections through sport.
The coaching sessions were driven by a passionate trio: Dumisani Chauke (former SPAR Proteas assistant coach and PEP mini Netball ambassador), Dr Elsje Jordaan, and Minnette Dempsey. Their combined expertise has uplifted grassroots netball by nurturing not only players, but future leaders in coaching and mentorship.
“The PEP mini Netball festivals and coaching sessions have become a powerful platform for development,” said Di Woolley, President of South African Schools Netball. “With the programme now active in all nine provinces, we’re reaching more girls than ever before, giving them the skills, confidence, and inspiration to thrive.”
From the coaching courts in Kimberley to the laughter-filled festival at Staats Primary, PEP’s commitment continues to change lives – one match, one coach, one court at a time.