Corporate social investment report

In December 2024, Ceramics, in partnership with Ezee Tile and PiViCal Panels, proudly handed over a newly renovated, fully equipped Grade R classroom to Reitumetse Early Learning Centre in the Vaal, as part of the Read for Meaning programme. Designed to support over 200 learners, the space features curriculum-based materials, play laptops, new furniture and a mobile mini library to build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to early childhood development and closing the education gap in underserved communities. Both the Department of Education and school leadership expressed deep appreciation for the lasting impact this investment will have on young learners and future generations.

During April 2025, Ceramics brought joy, comfort and pride to over 600 learners at Boiketlong Christian School, a community school adjacent to our Vereeniging factories, who received school tracksuits and shoes. The learners all wrote personal thank-you letters in the three languages used at the school – a powerful reminder of the difference such support makes in the lives of young people.

We also focus on uplifting and improving ECD centres through renovations and painting to create safe, stimulating learning environments for young children. This year, our efforts extended to Zeerust, Rustenburg, and Klerksdorp, where TopT provided much-needed support to enhance the facilities and contribute to the wellbeing and development of the children in these communities.

Ceramics has a long-standing partnership with customer Laduma Hardware to develop Zikodze Secondary School in Mpumalanga – a high school that has maintained over 90% pass rates, despite infrastructure challenges. Responding to Laduma's call for support, we contributed to building proper administration and ablution facilities, culminating in a celebratory handover attended by the school community and partners. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to education and development, demonstrating how strategic partnerships – not just transactions – can uplift communities and build a better future.

The Group is a proud Platinum Partner (based on the size and consistency of our annual donations) of the NSRI, a local volunteer-driven non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives through drowning prevention. Since 2014, we have contributed R260 000 annually, helping to rebuild and equip several rescue bases across the country, as well as donating materials for the renovation of facilities.

We partnered with Eco Culture Sechaba Foundation to recognise three important conservation-related events during the financial year.

Water Week and World Environment Day were celebrated at Atlholang Primary School with educational activities focused on water conservation. We installed a JoJo tank, complete with a drip irrigation system, in the school's vegetable garden to promote sustainable water use. Nine tippy tap handwashing systems were donated to the foundation phase, helping to teach young students the importance of using water sparingly and the value of reusing water in everyday activities. Learners participated in an interactive discussion and quiz on the water cycle. The school planted a vegetable garden as a hands-on initiative to promote sustainability. The day included an inspiring talk on the importance of caring for the environment, encouraging learners to reflect on their role in protecting the planet. Each student made a personal pledge to take care of the environment and symbolised their commitment by painting their handprint on a cardboard tree.

Earth Day, celebrated annually in April, is dedicated to raising awareness about environmental protection and encouraging sustainable practices. Together with Tirisano Mmogo Primary School we planted a vegetable garden equipped with a shelter and a drip irrigation system, promoting food security and water-efficient agriculture while highlighting the importance of caring for our planet.

The Group recognises that in low-income communities, many girls miss school during their menstrual cycles due to a lack of access to reusable sanitary pads and we aim to ensure that education is accessible to all. As part of CTM's Pad Dignity Drive project which began in 2019, and in partnership with our implementation partner, Mbali Eco Solutions, a total of 1 380 new reusable pads were distributed to young girls at schools in low income areas near CTM stores. The initiative, in which employees are encouraged to participate, also created a safe and supportive space for girls to engage in discussions on menstrual health, the reproductive system, available menstrual products and puberty.

During the financial year, Ceramics reached over 1 000 girls from Hammanskraal TRAC schools and Remember Elite Sports Academy through its annual Women's month initiative. The two-day roadshow offered internationally recognised menstrual health workshops, promoting self-confidence, education and empowerment. Girls received care packs containing reusable sanitary pads, sports bras and information on menstrual health options. This initiative not only keeps girls in school but also promotes sustainable hygiene practices, reduces landfill waste and helps families reduce ongoing sanitary costs.

PJ Soccer Stars in Mokopane, Limpopo, was chosen as the beneficiary of the 2024/25 CTM Bathroom Dignity Drive in partnership with Ezee Tile. CTM and Ezee Tile have supplied materials for the upgrade of the ablution facilities which has been carried out by a local SMME.

For the 2024/25 TopT Bathroom Dignity Drive, the under-resourced Rev Makgale Mapheto Primary School which has 2 255 learners, in Tembisa, Gauteng, was selected as the beneficiary. As part of the project, we renovated the bathrooms used by both students and teachers, helping to create a cleaner, safer, and more dignified space for learning.

As part of our annual Mandela month classroom and ablution facility dignity drive, Ceramics revamped facilities at Madiba Comprehensive School in Kagiso, a beneficiary of the Italtile and Ceramic Foundation's TRAC mathematics and science programme. The project, aligned with our community development strategy, included the donation of over 500 square metres of tiles, toilet sets, basins, adhesives and labour contributions. It also created economic opportunities by appointing an SMME from one of our enterprise development programmes. The successful handover on Mandela Day was celebrated by learners, parents, educators, government partners and our employees, with speeches echoing Mandela's belief in education as a powerful tool for change.

TopT proudly joined the Mamelodi annual Lupus awareness fun walk – a powerful community initiative aimed at educating and empowering people around the realities of Lupus. As a sponsor of the event, we were honoured to stand with the community in support of those living with this chronic illness. Using our TopT stage truck stationed at our local store, we created a vibrant and educational platform at which health professionals and Lupus warriors shared vital information about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis and healthy living. The event encouraged open conversations, health checks and community solidarity. This initiative reminded us that health is not just about the individual, it is about the strength of a community coming together to uplift one another. We believe in building more than homes, we build hope, support, and healthier futures.

TopT is a proud sponsor of initiatives that promote healthy bodies, strong minds, and connect communities. In June 2025, the Wellness Day in Ga-Rankuwa brought the community together for a day packed with high-energy sports, such as soccer, netball and relay races, group exercise sessions including aerobics, and traditional African indigenous games that not only entertained but promoted active living and mental wellbeing.

To complement the physical activities, the Department of Health provided free health screenings, helping residents take charge of their wellness. The South African Police Service also engaged youth in meaningful discussions on drug prevention, tying into the day's holistic approach to health.

The Little Optimist Trust is dedicated to uplifting and supporting marginalised children. Since 2018, Italtile Retail has proudly sponsored the annual Little Optimist boat race. This year's event offered at-risk youth the opportunity to explore the V&A Waterfront, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and gain hands-on sailing experience.

Italtile Retail and ITD have joined forces with marine biologist Dr Sara Andreotti from Stellenbosch University on the Italtile SharkWise project by funding her students and promoting awareness about the importance of a healthy ocean ecosystem. Our customers play an active role in this initiative as R2.00 is donated to the fund for every ITD Tivoli tap purchased.