Building a Better Future in Lwandle: Saint-Gobain’s Commitment in Action

At Saint-Gobain, our purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME” is brought to life through concrete actions that create meaningful and lasting impact. 

In 2025, Saint-Gobain in Ireland & Africa partnered to support the 2025 Building Blitz in Lwandle with Melon Educate, reaffirming it's commitment to education, community development and 
sustainable construction.

Through the Saint-Gobain Foundation, the Group successfully raised €75,000, making it possible to build new classrooms and support more than 1,000 learners at ACJ Phakade Primary School and Simanyene High School. This contribution is one of the largest CSR commitments in the region 
supporting South Africa’s youth and community development in line with Saint-Gobain Africa’s Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA) commitment.

This meaningful project was driven by strong human engagement on the ground, as over 400 volunteers united for this project, including James Dunnes, Area Sales Manager and 
sponsor from Saint-Gobain Ireland. James has been volunteering for over 20 years and has 
developed a deep connection with the community and its needs. Thanks to his dedication and initiative, the Saint-Gobain Foundation was mobilised, leading to the successful fundraising effort that turned ambition into reality.

The new classrooms were constructed using Gyproc partitions, reflecting Saint-Gobain’s 
commitment to sustainability, innovation, and high-performance solutions. More than just 
materials, these solutions support safe, durable, and comfortable learning environments,
demonstrating how responsible construction can directly improve lives.

A warm congratulations to the Mellon Educate and to all stakeholders involved for their 
collective efforts and shared commitment to education, and a special thank you to James Dunnes, whose long-term engagement and leadership fully embody the values of the Saint-Gobain Group.