Italtile and Ceramic Foundation Trust report

Forte High is partnered with the non-profit CSI initiative, OSAAT, which is focused on 'creating a proper solution for education in South Africa'. Its goal at Forte High is to elevate the matric pass rate to 100% with a 60% university exemption rate. In 2008, when OSAAT first started working with Forte High, the pass rate was 52% with only 18% Bachelor's passes. The school's results for the year under review reflect the success of the partnership and are a testament to the excellent work done by OSAAT.

During the reporting period, the Foundation's funding for Forte High continued to be directed to:

• Project Top Class - rewarding the top-performing matric class with an outing of their choice every term to encourage dedication and team work;
• Project 100% - provision of extra lessons for matric students;
• academic achievement awards to top students, top teachers and support staff of the school; and
• motivational guest speakers and presentations.

In addition to this funding, we purchased sports equipment for the school and funded the repainting of the school hall and the administration block.

During the reporting period, the Foundation held a roadshow with TRAC and Ceramic Industries' Betta Sanitaryware division. The purpose of the roadshow was to highlight the importance of the disciplines of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The Foundation also used the opportunity to provide additional support in the form of Mathematics and Physical Science study guides and scientific calculators. The total number of students in the TRAC programme is 520.

During the reporting period, the Setlabotjha Field Band leadership, in partnership with community stakeholders, formed a Steering Committee in each community with the objective of optimising the value of all Field Band initiatives and activities for band members, their families and the community.

The following activities were conducted in addition to the weekly band practice:

• 53 stakeholder engagements, of which eight were with parents. These engagements ensure clear communication and procedures are in place to facilitate swift action and support to members when required in emergency situations.
• 124 life skills lessons were facilitated.
• 12 one-on-one child-centred interviews were conducted by the Social Officer and followed by 48 home visits.

FBF has 309 band members.

The Foundation purchased most of the books, while others were donated by the Group's members of staff. The reading material includes primary school books that will help the children to improve their spelling, grammar, visual learning and general knowledge. The library is managed by the classroom tutor.

Kagiso and Soweto crèche forum in conjunction with Participate Empower Navigate ("PEN")

In partnership with the PEN organisation, the Foundation continues to invest in reducing the problem of poor quality ECD centres by offering owners and caregivers holistic support and a realistic opportunity to improve their centres themselves, thereby implementing changes that will be sustainable post-NPO interventions. Areas identified for improvement and support include facilities; health and safety; administration; and education and learning.

During the year, a second prefabricated classroom was purchased by the Foundation to enable the PEN team to operate from our CTM Sports Field in Soweto, Gauteng, where the teachers from the various centres meet weekly with the PEN coaches.

In addition to the aforementioned formal education-related programmes, we also assisted with funding renovations of two crèches in Vrededorp and Soweto. The Soweto crèche is part of the PEN programme. Materials for the renovations were sourced from Group companies.

Partnership with Dreamfields

During the year, we added eight new schools from the Empangeni area in KwaZulu-Natal to the programme.

Combi-courts in Sebokeng, Gauteng

Goals include supporting local livelihoods by protecting species, securing ecosystem services, promoting resilience, and fostering the equitable use of natural resources through community-led conservation and education initiatives. Key activities include upskilling BirdLife South Africa community bird guides, training environmental monitors/education officers, and investing in school and community education projects.

In the reporting period, the Foundation contributed to funding the following:

• three students for the Foundational learning competency certificate;
• one student for Field Ranger armed training;
• one student for the Conservation Security Officer course;
• one student for the Responsible Resource-use Module; and
• four students received stipends in the workplace.

Project 80 trees

The Group's Chairman, Mr Giovanni Ravazzotti, is passionate about conservation and personally involved in many of the Group's conservation projects. In celebration of his 80th birthday in 2023, the Foundation planted 80 trees in the following areas:

• 40 trees at the TopT Sports Field in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga;
• 15 trees at the CTM Sports Field in Soweto, Gauteng;
• 10 trees at the CTM Sports Field in Thohoyandou, Limpopo;
• 10 trees at Athlolang Primary School in Kagiso; and
• Five trees at the Steelpark Sports Field in Vereeniging.

Other ad hoc donations

Donation to the Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital

APPRECIATION

We are privileged to work with partners who are passionate about enhancing the lives of disadvantaged South Africans and conserving the natural environment. We would like to thank and pay tribute to them for their continued dedication to making our country a better place for its people, fauna and flora.

Thoko Phakathi

Project Manager

GROUP CSI AND FOUNDATION SPEND FOR THE 2023 FINANCIAL YEAR

Total spend including donations, grants and loans	R141,6 million
Percentage of spend in South Africa	100%
ITEMISED SPEND	Rm
Sports	13,2
Education and bursaries (excluding B-BBEE skills development)	13,3
Environment and conservation	3,5
Other CSI initiatives	3,3
B-BBEE skills development (excluding employees)	55,1
Supplier and enterprise development grants to black-owned entities	4,1
Supplier and enterprise development loans to black-owned entities	56,4