Who is the Beyond Bricks Foundation?

Beyond Brick Foundation. Stronger Communities. Brighter Futures.

The Beyond Bricks Foundation has evolved from the Balwin Foundation, that was established in 2016 by the Balwin Properties CEO, Steve Brookes, with a vision to uplift communities across South Africa.

Through focused initiatives in education & training, sports development, and community outreach, we aim to create lasting impact and opportunities that empower individuals and inspire positive change.

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Mission

The Beyond Bricks drives sustainable social development through sport, training and entrepreneurship. Rooted in Balwin Properties long- standing commitment to sustainability, the Foundation extends this ethos beyond construction into community empowerment. Focused primarily on youth and women, it provides platforms for individuals to break barriers, build businesses, and actively shape the socio-economic future of their communities.

Vision

Our vision is to develop sustainability in society with communities characterised by dignity and equality. We believe that empowering women and youth are necessary steps in redressing systemic inequality and creating long term social sustainability.

Balwin FOundation NPC (evolving to Beyond Bricks Foundation)

Registration Number: 2016/352481/08

NPO: 182-263

PBO: 930054986

Donations

Support a Cause That Moves Communities Forward

Your contribution helps us do more—whether it's funding a bursary, equipping a skills centre, or backing a community upliftment campaign. Donations can be made easily through Payfast, SnapScan, or GivenGain. Bank details and secure payment links are available below. Every donation is eligible for Section 18A tax benefits.

You can make a quick donation to the Beyond Bricks by using the mobile SnapScan application, click Donate Now below or download our banking details below.

Donations Information:

Reg No: 2016/352481/08
NPO:182-263
PBO: 930054986

Donate Now View GivenGain Campaign

Once-off Donations

Monthly Donations

Sponsorships

Impact Investing

Who is the Beyond Bricks NPC?

Our Three Pillars of Impact

Education & Training

Vocational Training

Bursaries

Scholarships

Soft Skills & Work Readiness

Sports Development

Learn2Swim

Cycling Development

Running Development

Soccer

Youth Wellness

Community Outreach

Mandela Day

Easter Campaigns

Winter Warmer

Woman & Youth Support

Back to School

Education & Training

At our career days, we exhibit a wide range of careers to give learners exposure to paths they may never have considered. These events are designed to broaden horizons and spark ambition by introducing pupils to real-world opportunities.

Bursaries

Since its establishment, the Foundation has invested in the future of young people by awarding 30 bursaries to scholars and university students, supporting academic achievement and long-term success in various construction and corporate fileds.

🎓 Bursaries in 2026
The Beyond Bricks Foundation currently has 12 awarded bursaries to deserving high school and tertiary students, helping them pursue their educational goals and unlock future opportunities.

Our programmes are open to Balwin staff and members from surrounding developments.

Our vision is to expand Learn2Swim to KwaZulu-Natal and Tshwane in 2026, ensuring that more communities gain access to this essential life skill.

Training Centre

🎓 91 Community Members Certified
Through our partnership with UXI Artisan Development, 91 community students successfully completed accredited artisan training programmes in:

Plumbing
Bricklaying
Plastering

👷🏽 88 Subcontractors Upskilled
Training in critical workplace skills, including:

Basic First Aid (NQF Level 2)
Working at Heights
Scaffolding
Firefighting Level 1

Sports Development

Golf Days

Your support of our Beyond Bricks Charity Golf Day will not only showcase your commitment to community upliftment but also expose you to:

Section 18A Tax Deductions

Marketing and Visibility Exposure

Networking Opportunities

Positive Brand Image & Corporate Social Responsibility

Gauteng Charity Golf Day

KZN Charity Golf Day

Sports Development

Through sport, we empower children and youth to realize their potential on and off the field

Running

Running is more than a race, it is a platform for growth, discipline and community.

Events include:

Sending runners from Strand Athletics Club, Dolphin Coast Striders and Jeppe Athletics Club to run Comrades and Two Oceans
Shembe KZN Youth Run
Umhlanga Pearls Nite Run
Ballito Rock Up & Run

Swimming

In a country where water is abundant, but swimming skills are scarce, Beyond Bricks beleive that swimming should not be a privilege, but a life skill that everyone deserves

Events include:

Jeppe Learn2Swim (JHB)
Alex LearnSwim (JHB)
Polar Bear Swim
Midmar Mile Sponsorship

Soccer

Soccer helps the youth in our surrounding communities come together, learn teamwork and sportsmanship and get an opportunity to play a sport that unites them.

Events include:

Alfred Zwelebanzi

Cycling

The Beyond Bricks Foundation in partnership with Pedal4Good and Jeppe School for Boys is helping young riders discover the freedom of cycling through structured mentorship and skills building

Current Areas:

The Goal is to grow into KZN

Education & Training

Bursaries

The Beyond Bricks offers bursary opportunities in fields such as:

Human Resources

Quantity Surveying

Procurement

SHEQ

Finance

Sports Management (newly added)- forms part of our commitment to youth development falling under the Sport Development pillar.

Foundation partner bursaries can be considered, provided the partner is able to offer potential employment opportunities, internships, or articles aligned with the student's chosen career path and the partner's business needs.

4 Sports Management Bursaries

11 Bursaries Funded

6 Scholars assisted with school fees and accommodation

4 Bursaries in Fields that Complement the Balwin Workforce

Sports Development

Running Development

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire; it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does”
- Nelson Mandela

We believe in the power of sport to transform lives. Running is more than a race, it is a platform for growth, discipline, and community. By investing in development runners, we help unlock potential and create pathways for future champions.

Balwin Run Series proudly partners with five leading running clubs across South Africa. Each club known for their strong and committed development programmes:

Jeppe

Phobians

Celtic Harriers

Dolphin Coast Striders

Strand Athletics

This has given development runners:

Access to competitive platforms

Increased exposure

Opportunities to grow within the running community

Why Partner with Balwin?

How To Reach CSI Targets:

Align your CSI Projects with your Company’s overall vision

Chose Projects with Impact

Collaborate to amplify your impact

Track and report the outcomes of your initiatives

By Partnering with Beyond Bricks:

Your company can achieve maximum B-BBEE, ESG and CSI impact efficiently, without the cost and complexity of managing your own programmes.

Amplify your exposure through Beyond Bricks’s partner’s

Access to turnkey, verified CSI initiatives

Measurable impact reporting

Section 18A tax deduction

B-BBEE, SED/ED points

Brand visibility and reputational gain

Opportunity to co-create measurable social impact

Align with UN SDGs

Foundation Timeline

Since 2016, the Beyond Bricks has marked key milestones across South Africa—from launching our first training initiative to expanding our reach with national marathon series and rapid disaster response. This visual timeline captures some of the unforgettable moments and the people who make our mission possible.