As a wave of rugby fever washes over South Africans, three South African corporates have teamed up to donate R500 000 to help five schools around the country with rugby development.

A Wellington grandmother, who asked to remain anonymous, was the first Pick n Pay Smart Shopper drawn to nominate a worthy school. This resulted in Groenberg NGK Primary School being chosen to kick off the Lays and Pepsico-sponsored initiative, with R100 000 going towards upgrading the rural school’s rugby facilities.

Principal Merencia Snyman-Cloete was emotional when she received the call about the school’s windfall. “The staff, governing body and I are super excited. It is not every day that a small school like ours, for learners who are the children of farm workers, wins something as big as this. Many of our learners receive social grants, and it is up to us to create opportunities for them at school, as their parents do not have funds.”

She added, “We are a close-knit family of 180 learners from Grade R to Grade 7, with eight educators, and our children love coming to school because we feed them. In winter, some of the children walk more than four kilometres in the rain and arrive soaking wet.”

Groenberg NGK Primary has a rugby team for under-nines up to 12, coached by two male educators, with female teachers also lending their support. “Our players are small, but they have big hearts, and they participate actively in the local league, often beating the other schools,” she said.

The money will be used to upgrade the community rugby field next to the school, which the Department of Education rents from a neighbouring church, and purchase water pumps, equipment, kit and rugby posts. The upgraded facilities will also benefit the broader community, including the Evergreen Sports Club, which uses the field for matches.

Groenberg also plans to extend rugby to the girl learners from 2025.

On 18 September, Pick n Pay visited the school to officially present the donation, bringing a goodie bag filled with essentials and treats for each learner and boerie rolls for lunch. Local rugby club Roses United, along with coach Kurt Andrews from Rugga Roots, facilitated a rugby clinic for the children, inspiring the next generation of players. Roses United Chairperson, Herman Bailey, says that sport and education can work together to build a stronger community. “Rugby can create positive change in the community.”

Veroeshka Grain from the Springbok Rugby Women’s Seven Team, who grew up in the area, also addressed the learners, encouraging them that it is possible to achieve your best despite your background. Grain is a shining example of that, having just returned from competing in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

“We’re thrilled Groenberg NGK Primary is the first school to benefit from this funding. Grassroots rugby is about more than just sport – it builds life skills. Through partnerships like this, we’re proud to make a lasting impact on young learners and give back to the communities we serve,” says Melissa Hanley, head of marketing at Pick n Pay.

Snyman-Cloete says this generosity by the retailer will make a meaningful difference in the lives of their learners and set the foundation for their success, both in sport and as individuals. “Rugby is more than just a game for us. It is a valuable opportunity for growth and development. It teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience. These are essential qualities – not only on the field but in every aspect of our lives.”

Four more Smart Shopper winners will be selected, and each will nominate a deserving school to receive a R100 000 donation towards rugby development.

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