GQEBERHA – The Association for the Physically Disabled (APD) in Nelson Mandela Bay has been contracted to produce thousands of T-shirts, scrunchies and goodie bags for this year’s SPAR Women’s Challenge in Gqeberha.

It is the first time in the event’s 36-year history that these popular merchandise items, annually given to participants as part of their entry package, have been manufactured by a non-profit organisation.

Major contract for APD

The deal is one of the biggest ever landed by the organisation’s clothing factory, which provides income-generating opportunities to people with disabilities.

It was concluded after SPAR Eastern Cape managing director Solly Engelbrecht and marketing executive Natasha Rogan toured the facility in 2025.

The pair were so inspired by what they saw that plans were set in motion to source 6,000 of each item directly from APD, rather than from an outside supplier, as had been the case previously.

APD director Cecilia Fourie said the retailer’s decision to back the organisation was hugely significant.

“People with disabilities need to prove to the world that they can do exactly the same work as anyone else. SPAR does not support us because they feel sorry for us; they know we can do the job,” said Fourie.

Quality meets opportunity

The T-shirts are made from the same athlete-friendly, moisture-management fabric that proved such a hit in 2025.

The only differences are the change in hue, from mint to magenta, and the production team.

“It’s a beautiful colour and there’s also a little bit of yellow to add brightness,” said Fourie.

Two audits per year are one of the requirements for APD to be able to produce clothing lines for third-party merchants.

The latest audit shows a score of 86%, which is 26 points above the national average and, for context, only a fraction lower than that of a well-known major clothing brand.

About half of the 80 people working at the facility in North End are working on the order, which is set for completion at the end of August.

SPAR backs local skills

Sponsorship controller Honey Koba said the partnership reflected SPAR Eastern Cape’s commitment to creating meaningful economic opportunities through local procurement.

“We’re investing in our community’s skills to support job creation and demonstrate the value of manufacturing quality products right here in Nelson Mandela Bay,” said Koba.

“We’re incredibly proud that this year’s race merchandise tells a story of empowerment, excellence and community impact.”

Partnership set to grow

Even more exciting is that the partnership has capacity for growth.

“Looking to next year, we’d love to explore expanding the merchandise range to include items such as cross-body bags, socks and even tights,” said Koba.

This will give Women’s Challenge supporters the opportunity to purchase additional branded products, facilitating more sustainable employment opportunities downstream.

Wheelchair race adds inclusion

APD and SPAR EC enjoy a long-standing relationship, which is why a wheelchair race was included in the Women’s Challenge programme for the first time last year.

Competitors from APD, the Amputee Support Group, the Bona uBuntu Programme for the visually impaired (all of whom are partners in the annual Wheelchair Wednesday campaign) and Cheshire Homes lined up for the inaugural event.

Now, thousands of ladies will get to sample APD’s handiwork on 26 September.

The Women’s Challenge offers 5km and 10km races to accommodate everyone from walkers to casual runners and elite athletes.

The SPAR Grand Prix series, featuring the very best African competitors over 10km, is held in conjunction with the mass-participation event.

Prospective participants can enter at www.easyreg.co.za until 18 September.

There is an option to register up to two additional people, each of whom will receive an email with a barcode that can be presented for payment at any SPAR or SaveMor outlet in Gqeberha.

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