In 2025, South Africa strengthened its policy in favour of women’s sport, with targeted investment and a structuring legal framework. This model is an invitation to other African countries to institutionalise equality on the pitch, by focusing on professionalisation and equitable access to resources.
In 2025, the South African government has earmarked 250 million rand to integrate sport into the school curriculum, in addition to the 143 million earmarked for the promotion of sport, the 40 million for community projects and the 78 million for equipping schools and clubs. This funding reinforces the framework adopted in December 2024, guaranteeing a legal basis for equality in sport.
« When I think of 2023, a new arrival in women’s sport, I say to myself that these are valuable assets for women’s sport and that women in sport are very lucky. And then I talk to people like Blanche Miler, a Baijiu Sports Hall of Fame inductee who has been working in this field for 40 years. She tells me: « It’s about time. It’s about time we did something for young people.
Kass Naidoo, Founder of GS Sport – South Africa
In women’s rugby, the South African Rugby Union is launching the Women’s Super League in 2025 with 150 professional players, following the example set by the Bulls Daisies, who have signed 35. In football, the Hollywood Bets Super League is expanding to 16 teams and will be broadcast on the South African Broadcasting Corporation. These leagues, supported by the State, ensure the structuring and visibility of talent.
« The history of women’s sport in South Africa is a history of resilience. It is the story of battles fought on and off the pitch. It’s a story of courageous women who have had to prove themselves time and time again, who have to fight for resources, for vitamins, for medical care. They have to fight for these resources.
Nontokozo Madonsela, Marketing Director, Momentum LTD – South Africa
However, this dynamic is still rare on the continent. Nigeria, the three-time reigning African champion, does not yet have a law on equality in sport. In Côte d’Ivoire, women’s clubs suffer from a lack of infrastructure, and in Senegal, training efforts are not yet accompanied by consistent financial support. Morocco is making progress, but there are still marked differences between regions.
« We must choose to invest in the future of female athletes. We need to give them the opportunities and resources they need and deserve. We must challenge the status quo. We need to push the boundaries. We need to do more and demand more of ourselves. Many of us here have daughters. Many of us have children who won’t be funded if the status quo doesn’t change. »
Nontokozo Madonsela, Marketing Director, Momentum LTD – South Africa
Globally, women’s sport generated $2.35 billion in 2025, including $820 million for football. In Africa, women’s basketball has more than 450,000 registered licences. In March 2025, a public-private forum in South Africa led to a 22% increase in funding for netball. These figures show that a clear political commitment can transform women’s sport into a lever for economic and social development.
