Suzuki Auto South Africa in partnership with Cricket South Africa (CSA) donated R140,000 worth of cricket equipment to five cricket hubs across South Africa following the successful Ballin’ with Suzuki campaign, which was activated during Season 4 of the Betway SA20.
The official handover ceremony took place on Tuesday, 24 February 2026 at the CSA Centre of Excellence at the University of Pretoria Sport Campus.
The donation follows the record-breaking Betway SA20 Season 4 competition, which challenged South Africans to guess how many cricket balls were packed inside a branded Suzuki Swift vehicle displayed at SA20 matches nationwide. The car, which contained 8 363 cricket balls, became a standout feature of the tournament and captured the imagination of fans across the country.
For every entry received, Suzuki committed to contributing R1 towards cricket development. With just under 140,000 entries logged during the campaign, the brand fulfilled its pledge with a R140,000 worth of cricket equipment contribution, turning fan participation into meaningful grassroots impact. The cricket hubs identified as beneficiaries of this equipment drive are:
- Bridgton Hub – Western Cape
- Duduza Hub – Gauteng
- Phalaborwa Hub – Limpopo
- Matlosana Hub – North-West
- Thembalethu Hub – Western Cape
Working alongside CSA, Suzuki Auto South Africa selected these hubs, which operate as non-profit cricket development organisations. These community-based youth centers play a vital role in improving access to coaching, training facilities and mentorship within their communities, while also feeding into provincial development pathways. The contribution of much-needed equipment aims to strengthen grassroots programmes and inspire the next generation of Proteas and SA20 players.
Brendon Carpenter, the Brand Marketing Manager at Suzuki Auto South Africa, said the overwhelming public response motivated the brand to expand the campaign’s impact beyond the Betway SA20 competition itself.
“We were blown away by the level of participation from cricket fans and wanted to ensure that every entry made a difference. Ballin’ with Suzuki was always about celebrating fans, and this extension allows us to give back to the communities that continue to grow the game. Supporting youth cricket development is one of the ways we can help create lasting opportunities for young players across the country.”
The record participation not only highlighted the strong connection between Suzuki and local cricket fans but also reinforced the power of sport to unite and uplift communities. By rounding up the total number of entries received, Suzuki’s R140,000 contribution reflects its ongoing commitment to using sport as a force for good while supporting the sustainability and growth of cricket in South Africa.
Executive of Domestic Cricket, Edward Khoza welcomed the contribution and emphasised the importance of continued investment.
“We welcome Suzuki’s contribution and their continued commitment to supporting cricket beyond the professional stage. Partnerships like this play a vital role in ensuring cricket continues to grow at the grassroots level.”
Suzuki Auto South Africa continues to position itself as a passionate partner in South African sport, using its platforms to drive meaningful impact beyond the boundary. By investing in grassroots initiatives and youth development, the brand reinforces its commitment to growing the game of cricket sport from grassroots level to future professional pathways, ensuring that cricket remains accessible, inclusive and sustainable for our country.
MORE ON ONE OF SA’s FASTEST GROWING BRANDS
Suzuki is South Africa’s second most popular car brand. It has won the coveted Brand of the Year Award twice, as awarded at the Cars.co.za Consumer Awards, powered by Absa, and is the most awarded brand in the Budget Car of the Year category in the same competition. The group is also one of two brands with the most finalists in the history of this competition. Suzuki has had multiple finalists in the South African Car of the Year competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insurance. In support of its growing client base, this Japanese compact vehicle specialist is continuing to open new dealerships, now standing at 117, including dealerships in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Eswatini and dealers in rural areas across Southern Africa.
SUPPLIED.
