Ardagh & PROTEC open new science lab

Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa, in partnership with implementing partner PROTEC, yesterday officially opened a new Science Resource Centre at Masiqhakaze Secondary School. The centre, established under the Ardagh for Education Programme, will serve learners and educators across 46 schools in the Ekurhuleni North District.

The launch on 19 May 2026 was attended by school leadership, district education officials, and representatives from Ardagh and PROTEC. Dignitaries included Mr. Kagiso Mogaswane, Chief Education Specialist: Information Systems and Strategic Planning, Ekurhuleni North District; Mr. Simangaliso Mahlangu, Executive: Human Resources at Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa; and Dr Talifhani Khubana Chief Financial Officer of PROTEC.

Refurbishment of the school’s science laboratory began in June 2025 and has transformed the space into a fully equipped Science Resource Centre. Schools in the surrounding district are now able to borrow science equipment and consumables to run experiments and bring classroom learning to life.

Science Resource Centres are a central component of the Ardagh for Education Programme. Masiqhakaze Secondary School was selected to host the dedicated facility so that local educators and learners would have ready access to the resources they need. The Masiqhakaze centre joins existing facilities at Alberton and Dalpark Teacher Centres, bringing the total number of operational Ardagh for Education Science Resource Centres to three.

“This new Science Resource Centre will help to close the gap in science education resources for schools in the Ekurhuleni North District,” said Simangaliso Mahlangu, Executive: Human resources at Ardagh. “By giving teachers and learners access to high-quality apparatus and consumables, we are creating the practical learning environments that nurture the next generation of South African scientists, engineers and innovators.”

Launched in 2024, Ardagh for Education is a ten-year commitment by Ardagh Glass Packaging-South Africa to transform science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) education in communities surrounding its operations. The programme is championed by Ardagh Ambassador and Springbok World Cup-winning rugby player Damian Willemse, who shares a passion for community development across South Africa.

Over the next eight years, Ardagh for Education aims to reach more than 200 schools, support 1 100 educators and enrich the learning experiences of over 300 000 learners from grades four through twelve. The programme reflects the social pillar of Ardagh’s sustainability strategy and the company’s purpose - We make packaging for good.

To learn more about Ardagh for Education, click here.