Suzuki Auto South Africa has announced a landmark three-year collaboration with the Betway SA20, South Africa’s premier T20 cricket league. The agreement will see Suzuki join the tournament as a Proud Vehicle Partner for the 2026, 2027 and 2028 seasons, marking another major step in the Japanese brand’s expanding involvement in South African sport.
The SA20 is one of the fastest-growing T20 leagues in world cricket, featuring six city-based franchises owned by established Indian Premier League teams. With matches broadcast to more than 185 million viewers worldwide and stadiums across South Africa regularly selling out, the competition provides a dynamic platform for brand visibility and fan engagement.
Under the new arrangement, Suzuki will enjoy extensive exposure across six stadiums, 12 international broadcasters and SA20’s rapidly growing digital platforms. This will be supported by broadcast integration, in-stadium activations, a series of creative digital campaigns and prominent Suzuki vehicle displays at selected matches. In addition, fans will have the chance to win a Swift GL+ MT hatchback during the season.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Suzuki as our Proud Vehicle Partner for Betway SA20,” said League Commissioner, Graeme Smith. “Their focus on performance, innovation and adventure fits perfectly with the energy of our League. Suzuki brings the same spirit of excitement that we aim to deliver to fans across the country. Supporters can look forward to some incredible in-stadium experiences this season, including a major fan opportunity we’ll be announcing soon. We’re excited to hit the road together and take the tournament to new heights.”
“Cricket has an incredible ability to bring South Africans together, and that spirit of unity and enjoyment aligns perfectly with Suzuki’s own philosophy,” says Henno Havenga, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa. “The Betway SA20 captures the excitement and optimism that make sport so powerful, and we are ecstatic to be part of a tournament that inspires people in every corner of the country.”
Suzuki’s participation in the prestigious Betway SA20 builds on a growing portfolio of sporting associations across South Africa. In 2024, the Hamamatsu-based carmaker came on board as naming sponsor of the Griqualand West Rugby Union (Griquas), an organisation with a proud history dating back to 1886. In April 2025, Suzuki announced a multi-year agreement with Cricket South Africa, becoming the official vehicle supplier to both the Proteas Men’s and Women’s ODI teams. Most recently, in July 2025, Suzuki signed a two-year deal with Orlando Pirates Football Club, becoming the official vehicle supplier and Premium Sleeve Partner of one of South Africa’s most iconic football teams.
At grassroots level, Suzuki works with the Humanitarian Empowerment Fund on a Rugby Sevens development programme in Gauteng’s West Rand. The initiative identifies and trains young talent, underscoring the manufacturer’s commitment to sport as a vehicle for empowerment and social development.
Driven by the belief that sport can unite people and drive positive change, Suzuki’s new association with the Betway SA20 further strengthens its connection to South African communities, fans and athletes.
“For us, this is about more than visibility – it’s about connection,” adds Havenga. “Whether it’s through the fans in the stands, the communities around the game or the players themselves, we see this collaboration as an opportunity to celebrate the passion and diversity that define South Africa. It’s a partnership built on shared purpose and energy, and we can’t wait to get started.”
