Italtile Renews Platinum Sponsorship of NSRI: A Partnership Anchored in Saving Lives.

For over a decade, Italtile Ceramics (Pty) Ltd has remained a steadfast partner of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), standing shoulder to shoulder with our volunteers and helping us fulfil our mission of preserving life and livelihoods on and around South African waters through education, drowning prevention and rescue.

The partnership began in 2011, when Italtile made a generous contribution towards rebuilding the Plettenberg Bay Sea Rescue base, a project that enhanced our coastal response capability and left a lasting legacy for local communities.

A year later, a team of Italtile employees joined NSRI volunteers on an extraordinary fundraising adventure — climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for the Knysna base renovation, which reopened in 2013. That spirit of teamwork and service has defined our relationship ever since.

Over the years, Italtile has continued to make practical contributions to our rescue operations — donating tiles and sanitaryware for upgrades at rescue bases, including Strandfontein in False Bay.

Their steadfast dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2012, Italtile received the Alric Simpson Award, the NSRI’s highest honour for distinguished service to the Institute. Two years later, the company formalised its commitment as a Platinum Partner, a title it has proudly upheld through every challenge, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

This partnership is founded on shared values — community, trust, and leadership — and a mutual commitment to saving lives. Italtile’s ongoing support guarantees our volunteers have the necessary resources, equipment, and infrastructure to respond rapidly and effectively to emergencies. Their generosity also helps sustain our drowning prevention and water safety education programmes, which reach thousands of South Africans each year.

We are proud to announce the renewal of Italtile’s Platinum Partnership for 2026–2028, along with a donation of R260,000 over the next three years. This renewed commitment reaffirms Italtile’s vital role in enhancing NSRI’s rescue capabilities and community outreach, ensuring that, together, we continue to make a lasting difference and save lives along South Africa’s shores and inland waters.