Known throughout the North West netball community as D-Max, Mrs Dimakatso Manyeneng has dedicated her life to serving others. Whether she is leading netball development as the Provincial Manager of the North West Schools Netball Committee under South African Schools Netball (SASN), mentoring young women through her church, teaching in the classroom or supporting young players through the PEP mini Netball programme, her purpose remains the same: to help people grow, discover their confidence and reach their full potential.
As a Grade 12 Life Orientation teacher at Kgosi Kebalepile Secondary School, Manyeneng believes education and sport go hand in hand. Through the PEP mini Netball programme, she works with coaches and young players to create positive first experiences in the game, using netball as a platform to build confidence, resilience, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
Her commitment to developing young people extends far beyond the classroom and the netball court. Manyeneng serves as the Immediate Past President of the Women’s Missionary Society, where she mentors young women and encourages them to become leaders within their communities. As a wife, mother of four and foster parent, caring for others is not simply part of her work, it is at the heart of who she is.
For D-Max, netball has never simply been about the game. It is a way of life. It is where friendships are formed, confidence is built and life lessons are learned. She believes every child deserves the opportunity to step onto the court feeling supported, encouraged and inspired, regardless of their background or ability.
Her coaching philosophy extends beyond developing skillful players. She believes success starts in the classroom, often reminding her teams that academic performance comes before sport. By encouraging discipline, accountability, and respect, she hopes to prepare young people for life beyond the court.
One of the greatest rewards in her work is watching children grow in confidence. Whether it is a shy player finding their voice, the excitement of warm-ups, a high-five between teammates or the proud moment when a new skill finally clicks, Manyeneng believes these are the moments that truly define the impact of grassroots netball.
Reflecting on what continues to inspire her, Mrs. Manyeneng shared: “I love seeing a player walk onto the court unsure of themselves and leave believing in themselves. Netball teaches communication, resilience, leadership, and trust. It creates a community where every player is supported, encouraged, and inspired. Netball is my passion, my purpose, and my proudest work. I love, I eat and I sleep netball. It is my life.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue growing the game across the North West province by creating opportunities for more young people to participate in netball while empowering coaches to nurture the next generation of players. Her vision is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the confidence, belonging and life lessons that the sport has given her.
For D-Max, netball is more than a sport. It is a purpose lived every single day.