Absa is pleased to announce the return of the Absa Ladies Invitational in collaboration with the Sunshine Ladies Tour, as part of its continued dedication to diversity, inclusiveness, and the progress of women. This three-day competition, which is currently in its second year as a highlight of the Sunshine Ladies Tour schedule, will be held at the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club from March 27 to 29, 2025, further solidifying Absa’s commitment to advancing equity in the sport and encouraging female golfers.
With a prize pool of R1.5 million, a significant 25% increase from the previous year’s R1.2 million, the 2025 edition will once again bring together the top players in professional women’s golf. Absa’s ongoing dedication to expanding possibilities for women in sport is demonstrated by this increase.
Absa is dedicated to altering the narrative by offering platforms that promote gender equality and inclusion, as golf, like many other sectors, continues to be dominated by men. Absa has taken major steps to promote gender parity, cultivate female leadership, and fund projects that break down barriers for women in a variety of industries, such as sport and entrepreneurship, through its Women Manifesto, a fundamental component of its business strategy.
Absa’s primary banking service for women in business, She Thrives, fits in perfectly with the company’s larger goal of empowering women. She Thrives supports women and young people in business by focussing on finance accessibility and preserving the entrepreneur’s legacy. Being the bank of entrepreneurs that genuinely understands their requirements is our goal at Absa. Women have access to a special account through She Thrives that offers discounts on short-term insurance, waives initiation fees on an Absa business overdraft, and waives monthly fees for the first six months.
Absa makes sure that women compete and succeed in their fields by encouraging leadership and entrepreneurial development. This idea is also present at the Absa Ladies Invitational, where the bank is funding a movement that supports female athletes, entrepreneurs, and trailblazers in a variety of fields rather than just a competition.
Sanah Gumede, managing executive of Strategy and Client Value Management at Absa Relationship Banking, underscores this commitment: “Women’s golf has long been overshadowed by a lack of investment and fewer opportunities. Through our sponsorship of the Sunshine Ladies Tour, we are not only helping to level the playing field but also inspiring the next generation of female golfers. In the same way, She Thrives is breaking barriers for women in business by providing tangible financial support and solutions designed to empower female entrepreneurs. By ensuring that women have access to funding, reduced banking costs, and financial protection, we are laying the foundation for long-term success in business. At Absa, we believe in backing her drive, whether it’s on the golf course or in the boardroom, She Thrives ensures that women have the resources they need to lead, grow, and build sustainable enterprises.”
Absa actively participates in a youth and development program outside of the competition with the goal of inspiring young female golfers from underprivileged backgrounds. A major part of the bank’s Women Manifesto and larger gender equity policy, this program supports grassroots development and ensures a sustained stream of female talent.
The Absa Ladies Invitational has established itself as a premier Sunshine Ladies Tour event by drawing elite local and international talent. Elite players including 15-time champion Lee-Anne Pace, six-time champion Stacy Bregman, and three-time champion Casandra Alexander will be on the 2025 lineup. The participation of former winners Anne-Lise Caudal and Nadia van der Westhuizen further demonstrates the breadth and depth of quality in this year’s competition.
Jabulile Nsibanyoni, head of Sponsorships at Absa Group, highlights the tournament’s impact: “The Absa Ladies Invitational is not just about competition, it’s about rewriting the narrative. Across various sporting disciplines, from She Untamed to the Absa Cape Epic, we are breaking barriers for women in sport. We are committed to uplifting communities through sport. Our commitment extends beyond sponsorship. We are investing in platforms that create opportunities for women to thrive, compete, and lead in their respective fields. Golf, like many industries, has been historically male-dominated, and we are dedicated to ensuring that female athletes receive the recognition, resources, and support they deserve.”
