The FESPA Foundation has announced Durst Group as its first official partner following the FESPA Global Print Expo 2025, marking a milestone in the Foundation’s mission to use the power of print to support education and uplift underserved communities. Durst will sponsor Malekapane Primary School through the Foundation’s “Adopt a School” initiative.
This initiative, created by Neil Felton, CEO of FESPA, and managed by Steve Thobela, the Foundation’s Africa Coordinator, connects printing businesses with schools in urgent need of resources, starting in South Africa’s Limpopo province, with expansion plans into Malawi, Kenya, and Tanzania. Beyond supplying printed educational materials, the programme addresses essential needs such as safe infrastructure, food security, and basic facilities like clean toilets, recognising that a positive learning impact is only possible when schools’ fundamental necessities are met.
Neil Felton stated: “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.”
Steve Thobela added: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Durst as our first official ‘Adopt a School’ partner. Durst’s support – specifically targeted 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 & Co-Owner of Durst Group, shared: “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.”
In addition to Malekapane Primary School, the FESPA Foundation has identified three other schools in Limpopo — Batau Primary School, Pitseng ya Thuto Primary School, and Madisei Primary School — as potential beneficiaries. These schools face challenges including unsafe sanitation, poor infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, lack of fencing, and inadequate kitchen facilities.
Durst’s commitment as the first partner in this programme sets a strong example for other industry leaders to join the cause. The collaboration will help the FESPA Foundation ensure long-term sustainability for its projects, broaden its international impact, and build enduring partnerships that go beyond short-term contributions.
The Foundation invites more companies to explore participation in the “Adopt a School” initiative by visiting www.fespafoundation.com.