Saint-Gobain and Mellon Educate Launch Major School Building Project in Lwandle, Western Cape

By Flux Communications

Saint-Gobain Africa and Ireland have joined forces with the Mellon Educate School Building Project to transform education infrastructure at two local schools in the township of Lwandle, Western Cape. Over 400 volunteers from Europe, America, and South Africa are coming together in a landmark Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative to upgrade A.C.J Phakade Primary School and Simanyene High School.

The project, funded with €75,000 by the Saint-Gobain Foundation headquartered in Paris, represents one of the largest CSR commitments in the region aimed at delivering lasting educational impact, uplifting communities, and supporting South Africa’s youth and community development in line with Saint-Gobain Africa’s Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA) commitment.

Running from 15 to 22 November, the Building Blitz will bring together 400 volunteers to:

• Construct six new Grade R classrooms with toilets and storage at A.C.J Phakade Primary School, along with a Literacy Hub, learning support classroom, additional classrooms for Grades 5–7, a feeding kitchen, canopies, and a playground.

• Build ten new classrooms at Simanyene High School, covered canopies including an outdoor gym, a feeding kitchen, and a new toilet block to accommodate growing student numbers.

Rethabile Marweshi, Saint-Gobain Africa’s Transformation Project Coordinator, highlighted how the initiative aligns with Saint-Gobain Africa’s “Our People” strategic pillar within MABA:“This project reflects Saint-Gobain’s commitment to building beyond bricks. We are not only providing infrastructure but creating environments where learners and teachers can thrive. Seeing over 400 volunteers unite to give back to the Lwandle community is truly inspiring, and it reinforces our focus on empowering people and supporting local communities.”

James Dunne, Area Sales Manager and co-sponsor from Saint-Gobain Ireland, added:“Partnering with Mellon Educate allows us to make a meaningful contribution to education in South Africa. We are proud to support this comprehensive approach that combines infrastructure development with professional teacher training.”

Mellon Educate, which has engaged more than 27,000 volunteers internationally over 23 years, focuses on creating safe, conducive learning spaces and operates a Community Literacy Programme that serves 3,400 children weekly across 16 Western Cape schools. The literacy programme supports children struggling with reading through local tutor engagement in fully equipped Literacy Hubs.

The project is designed to comply with Western Cape Department of Education standards, with evaluation scheduled for December 2025 and an official inauguration planned for January 2026.

Saint-Gobain’s participation in this initiative marks their 6th CSR project in South Africa, reinforcing their long-term commitment to social transformation, sustainable impact, and the development of Africa’s next generation. Saint-Gobain teams will be on the ground throughout the Building Blitz, working closely with Mellon Educate founder Niall Mellon and his team to ensure the project’s successful delivery.

For more information, please visit www.saint-gobain-africa.com