SPAR Brings Savings, Support and Dignity Conversations to Polokwane Stokvel Talk

By Thembi Moyo

POLOKWANE – As many South African families continue to grapple with rising living costs, community-based savings groups known as stokvels are proving to be more important than ever in helping households manage their finances and support one another. This was the message at the recent Polokwane Stokvel Talk, where community members, stokvel leaders, local residents and stakeholders gathered to discuss practical ways of navigating economic challenges through collective saving and financial cooperation.

The event also provided a platform for SPAR to engage directly with consumers on issues affecting their daily lives, including affordability, community wellbeing and menstrual hygiene awareness. For many attendees, stokvels remain a lifeline in difficult economic times. “I have been part of a stokvel for more than eight years, and it has helped me buy groceries, pay school expenses and prepare for emergencies,” said community member Mmapula Mashilo. “Life is expensive now, but when we save together, we can support one another and make sure no family is left behind.”

Another resident, Kabelo Mokoena, said stokvels have become an important source of financial security for many households. “People often think stokvels are only about saving money, but they also build trust and unity within communities. We learn from each other and share ideas on how to manage our finances better,” he said.

During the event, SPAR highlighted the important role that community engagement plays in addressing everyday challenges faced by South Africans. The retailer also used the platform to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene as part of its ongoing End Period Poverty campaign, which seeks to improve access to menstrual hygiene products and promote dignity for women and girls.

Speaking at the event, Mpudi Maubane, National PR, Communications and Sponsorships Manager at SPAR, said community platforms such as stokvel gatherings provide valuable opportunities to engage on issues that matter to consumers. “Period poverty is not just a health issue; it is also a dignity issue. For many young girls and women, inconsistent access to menstrual hygiene products affects confidence, education and participation in daily life. At SPAR, we believe it is important to use trusted community spaces to help drive awareness and encourage meaningful conversations,” said Maubane.

She added that discussions about saving money and broader wellbeing issues are closely linked. “Conversations around affordability and community support are deeply connected to the realities individuals face every day. Our participation in the Polokwane Stokvel Talk is about contributing to conversations that matter to communities and supporting dignity-driven initiatives such as End Period Poverty,” she said.

The discussion around menstrual dignity resonated with many women attending the event. “As mothers, we understand how difficult it can be when young girls do not have access to sanitary products,” said attendee Florah Mathebula. “These conversations are important because they help remove stigma and encourage communities to support one another.”

Participants also welcomed the opportunity to engage with experts and organisations that are working to address social and economic challenges at community level. With consumers increasingly seeking practical solutions to financial pressures, events such as the Polokwane Stokvel Talk continue to provide a valuable space for education, empowerment and community support. By combining conversations about savings, affordability and menstrual dignity, the event highlighted the power of community-driven solutions and demonstrated how partnerships between businesses and communities can contribute to meaningful social impact.