Who We Are
Same foundation. New name. Greater purpose.
The story behind Beyond Bricks Foundation, formerly the Balwin Foundation, our history, our mission, and the people guiding our work.
Beyond bricks and mortar
For a decade, the Balwin Foundation has worked alongside communities across South Africa. As our reach and ambition have grown beyond housing developments into education, sport and community upliftment at scale, our identity has evolved too.
Beyond Bricks Foundation carries the same heart, the same team and the same commitment, with a name that reflects everything we build beyond bricks and mortar.
We believe that everyone deserves a place to call home, a chance to learn and grow, and the opportunity to reach their full potential. Through our programmes, we work to create positive change in the lives of individuals and communities across South Africa.
What we stand for
Rooted in Balwin Properties long-standing commitment to sustainability, the Foundation extends this ethos beyond construction into community empowerment.
Our mission
The Beyond Bricks Foundation 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.
Our 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.
Compassion
Every programme starts with understanding the lived reality of the communities we serve.
Accountability
Transparent reporting, audited financials and measurable outcomes on every project.
Inclusion
Extending our impact beyond our developments, creating opportunities for the surrounding communities to participate, develop and thrive.
Sustainability
Aligned to Balwin’s green building legacy, we invest in a sustainable future for all.
Our journey
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.
Board & leadership
Directors
Mr. Stephen Brookes
ChairpersonDirector
Ms. Samantha Gray
AdministratorDirector
Mr. Raaziq Ismail
Legal AdvisoryDirector
Mr. Ryan Kalk
Managing DirectorDirector
Board Members
Mr. Rodney Gray
General Advisory
Mr. Jonathan Bigham
Financial Advisory
Ms. Natasha Lorde
Fundraising & Sustainable Partnerships
Mr. Obaratile (OB) Semenya
Guidance, Grants & Funding
Ms. Shannon Kavanagh
Women, Youth & Sport
Pillar Leads
Siyabonga Masemola
Education & Training
Cindy Mkhize
Community Outreach
Erin Lazarus
Sports Development
The move from Balwin Foundation to Beyond Bricks is a natural next step. We have laid the foundation through years of work in education, Learn2Swim, sport, bursaries, skills training, supplier development, and community outreach. Now we want to collaborate with serious partners who want to do more than donate and help us take that work further.
This started almost 30 years ago with a small charity run in support of the local SPCA. We saw a need and tried to help. That remains the heart of it: be kind where you can, be useful where you can, and help people get a better chance.
Beyond Bricks gives that purpose a bigger platform. Balwin has built homes for many years. Through Beyond Bricks, we want our legacy to be about building skills, dignity, opportunity, and futures that last.
Steve Brookes
Chairman Beyond Bricks Foundation
Questions Answered
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