Durst’s involvement as the first official partner of the FESPA Foundation, and its commitment to sponsoring a school, sets a powerful precedent for other industry leaders to join the FESPA Foundation’s vital cause. The company’s involvement will see it supporting the FESPA Foundation and sponsoring Malekapane Primary School in Limpopo.
This partnership is a significant step forward in the FESPA Foundation’s mission to leverage the power of print to facilitate education and improve the lives of children in underserved communities. Durst has become the FESPA Foundation’s first official partner since the 2025 FESPA Global Print Expo.
The ‘Adopt a School’ initiative, created by Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, and overseen by Steve Thobela, FESPA Foundation’s Africa Coordinator, connects printing businesses with schools in dire need of resources, primarily in South Africa. Currently, the schools involved with the initiative are based in Limpopo, but the FEPSA Foundation plans to expand to Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania.
The programme goes beyond the FESPA Foundation supplying printed educational materials; it also addresses critical needs, such as safe infrastructure, food security and basic facilities, such as clean and functional toilets. This is because the FESPA Foundation recognises that the impact of print is only maximised when the schools’ fundamental necessities are met.
Commenting on Durst’s partnership with the FESPA Foundation and its commitment to sponsoring a school, Felton commented, ‘We are delighted to announce that Durst is the first organisation in our community to join our ‘Adopt a School’ initiative by partnering with Malekapane Primary School. We look forward to sharing the inspiring journey ahead, as both Durst and the school embark on this meaningful collaboration.’
Thobela added, ‘We are incredibly excited to welcome Durst as our first official ‘Adopt a School’ partner. Durst’s support – specifically targetted to Malekapane Primary School – will allow us to create an environment where print can truly make a difference in inspiring and educating young minds. Ultimately, its commitment will directly impact the lives of the many children who attend Malekapane Primary School, helping to positively shape their lives in the future.’
Christoph Gamper, CEO and Co-Owner of Durst Group, highlighted, ‘We are truly honoured to be the first partner to step forward and also to take up the FESPA Foundation’s ‘Adopt a School’ initiative by sponsoring Malekapane Primary School. Supporting this project marks more than just a contribution to education, it symbolises the values that have shaped Durst over the past nine decades: innovation, responsibility and long-term impact. As we approach our 90th anniversary in 2026, we see this partnership as a meaningful way to give back and set the tone for the next chapter of Durst, one that continues to combine cutting-edge technology with real-world purpose.’
The FESPA Foundation highlights three other schools in the Limpopo province – Batau Primary School, Pitseng ya Thuto Primary School and Madisei Primary School – as prospective beneficiaries of the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative. These schools grapple with issues ranging from dilapidated buildings and overcrowded classrooms, to a lack of fencing, unsafe sanitation and inadequate kitchen facilities.
The partnership with Durst will help the FESPA Foundation to secure long-term sustainability for its projects; expand its global reach; and strengthen partnerships that go beyond one-off support. The FESPA Foundation now invites companies interested in supporting this initiative to learn more and get involved, by clicking here.
FESPA FOUNDATION
https://www.fespa.com/en/about/fespa-foundation/
