You can find detailed information about SPAR’s sustainability approach, initiatives and progress on the SPAR Group website, or download the latest Sustainability report below.

No, SPAR does not currently offer bursaries. However, SPAR participates in the YES (Youth Employment Service) programme which sees us host young people for a period of 12 months during which time we pay their stipend, provide training, and give them skills in various areas of our business.  We also participate in the Jumpstart programme in collaboration with the Mr Price Foundation where we train and host young people for two weeks in our stores with the aim of deepening the talent pool from which retailers can recruit.  Learners who successfully complete the programme are signed off by the hosting retailer and added to the database for placement when opportunities arise.

The next SPAR YES Programme intake is expected commence in April 2027.  The actual recruitment process commences in November of the previous year to still facilitate the recruitment and selection, conducting employment checks and finalising of employment contracts.

The programme is open to unemployed South African youth between the ages of 18 and 34 who have completed at least Matric and have not participated previously in a YES programme.

Applications must be submitted via the official SPAR sponsorship portal or through email, accompanied by a formal proposal.

Applicants are required to submit proper documentation, including proof of registration, a detailed proposal, and clear evidence of community benefit and impact.

Organisations or entities that align with SPAR’s values, such as those promoting community development, education, nutrition, and social upliftment, may be considered. Preference is given to initiatives with broad reach and measurable outcomes.

Application reviews typically take between 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the scale and complexity of the request.

Sponsorship amounts vary based on the size of the initiative, its impact, and available budget.

SPAR supports initiatives aligned with its corporate social responsibility and brand objectives, typically within sport, education, nutrition, and community development.