Since 1999 the Kay Mason Foundation has worked to eliminate barriers to quality education for promising young people from underserved communities in and around the Western Cape.
OUR VISION & MISSION:
Our vision is to ensure a fairer world with better leaders-leaders with integrity,
ethics and a respect for the environment and sustainable solutions.
Our mission is to empower underserved scholars to become those leaders.
We’ve identified the top schools around South Africa and match the right learner with the right institute so that their experience is rewarding in all aspects.
We are proud of the learners who have passed through the Kay Mason Foundation program, excelling and developing as people along the way.
Watching our graduates begin to give back themselves later in life is additional reward
Richard Mason is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and producer, whose books have sold over a million copies in 30 languages. He founded the Kay Mason Foundation in 1999, with the royalties from his best-selling first novel The Drowning People. Richard named the organisation after his sister Kay, who committed suicide when she was 24 – and who was passionate about giving young people opportunities. Richard is a recipient of the Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy.
Lindie was born in Cape Town and after matriculating at JG Meiring High School, went to study at Boland College Stellenbosch, where she obtained her Cost and Management Accounting Diploma. Lindie married Maans Ammon on the 9th of March 2013 and the couple was soon blessed with the birth of a little girl, Lené Ammon, born 20 November 2013.
Lindie loves working with children and have a passion to positively influence the lives of people less privileged. Her professional career started at PriceWaterhouseCoopers where she worked for 5 years. She then entered the non-profit sector during 2007 where she worked at Epilepsy South Africa for almost six years before joining the Kay Mason Foundation in April 2013 as the Administration and Finance Manager.
Lindie enjoys working at the Kay Mason Foundation where every day is so rewarding when one can see how the KMF children develop into strong leaders of the future.
Stacey has always excelled at whatever she puts her mind to do. A successful career in the film industry encompassed working her way up from Production Assistant to Producer and this was accomplished within only 8 years. From there she went onto animation production working for an additional 8 years as one of South Africa’s only Animation Producers in some of the country’s best post-production studios, and in conjunction with international distributors and animation houses in the UK and Canada.
In this time Stacey also studied to be a Project Manager and was subsequently hired as the National Events Manager for Rennies Travel, one of the largest Travel Management Companies in SA, where she also embarked on additional Marketing Management studies. In October 2020 Stacey was given the incredible opportunity to be the Marketer and Fundraiser for the Kay Mason Foundation where she brings her expertise in Project Management, sponsorship liaisons, and networking with her usual all-around bubbly, “give it her all” attitude! She is also a proud mom of 2 boys.
Stephanie was born in the Northern Suburbs in Cape Town on the 2nd July. She studied a BA in Social Work at the Huguenot College and graduated in 2012. She got married in October 2013 to Jaco Kotze and they were blessed with two beautiful Daughters who were born in 2015 and 2019.
Prior to joining the Kay Mason Foundation Stephanie worked for 5 years at an NPO, The Deaf Community of Cape Town, where she absolutely loved learning a new Language, namely Sign Language. Stephanie has always been passionate about children, their development, and their well-being. She joined the Kay Mason Foundation in December 2019 as the Development Manager and has since been able to live out her dream of developing children and ensuring that they reach their full potential.
Almarie Slazus is a qualified social worker who worked at Hermanus High School for seven years where her focus was providing support and guidance to high school students. She loved working in the school system and working together as a team to ensure that the best environment was created where the students feel safe and cared for.
Almarie has a passion for working with teenagers with a special interest in trauma counseling and play therapy. She loves group work and presenting workshops.
Her goal is to help teenagers understand themselves, their emotions, and their actions better not only to teach them new skills to deal with it but to give them the tools to thrive and flourish within themselves!
Kholo was born in Pretoria, she lived in Sweden for 5 years of school career and completed her high school when her family returned to South Africa in the Eastern Cape, at the Lady Grey Arts Academy. She pursued her tertiary studies in Information Science in her first year at the University of Pretoria but later decided to study a BA in International Relations at the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Kholo has been passionate about children for as long as she can remember. From taking care of her relatives’ children and actively volunteering for local charities, to partnering with communities to motivate young girls to chase after their dreams no matter what. Kholo’s passion for working with children was further ignited when she worked at Reach For A Dream where she actively got to be a part of impacting lives through hope and dreams. She joined the Kay Mason Foundation in June 2021 as the Catapult Project Leader where she believes she will continue to touch the lives of those entrusted to her.
Alvina is passionate, goal driven and a ‘’take-charge’’ person. She is adaptable, highly organised and an all-round ‘’go-to’’ individual.
She has a National Diploma in Public Relations Management and comes with over 15 years of industry experience. This includes 2 years in a music entertainment company (NB Music Records) as well as 12 years in a leading travel management company (Rennies BCD Travel). Her expertise sits majorly in the Finance, Admin, Corporate Communications, Marketing and Events sectors.
Alvina loves spending time with her family, travelling and creating new and memorable experiences. ‘We must become the change we wish to see in the world.’, this quote by Mahatma Ghandi is what drives her daily.
Elizabeth is a born and bred Capetonian who has worked for 15 years in the events industry as a receptionist, race office, and travel desk assistant.
Organization and attention to detail are all part of her strongest attributes. Watching everything come together, through events and programs, is what makes her truly happy. Elizabeth is passionate about life and has a kind and soft nature.
She joined Kay Mason Foundation in March 2023 as Office Administrator.
She believes that hard work pays off and her motto in life is to always be yourself. If she had one wish it would be for all children to get the best education possible.
Enathi Ndaba, a Kay Mason Foundation scholar from 2010 to 2014, now rejoins the foundation as a Fundraiser. In true KMF culture, she matriculated from Camps Bay High School with two distinctions and placed third in the Western Cape for isiXhosa First Additional Language. She pursued tertiary education in Accounting at CPUT and subsequently entered the banking sector. There, her diligence earned her the titles of Monthly Mover and cover girl for the financial institution’s Women’s Month magazine edition.
Her passion for making a positive impact through philanthropy thrived even during her banking career, where she committed herself to numerous CSI and community projects. Having experienced firsthand the foundation’s commitment to breaking cycles of poverty, she is thrilled about the opportunity to pay it forward and support the foundation’s mission to empower underserved scholars and build the leaders South Africa needs.
Andiswa hails from King William’s Town near Bisho, a locale deeply intertwined with activism and education. Born in the renowned ‘’Biko Clinic’’ established by legends like Steve Biko and Dr Mamphele Ramphele, her passion for knowledge and societal change was kindled early on. Raised in a challenging township setting, Andiswa’s aspirations for superior education were transformed into reality with the assistance of the Kay Mason Foundation (KMF) scholarship. This opportunity enabled her to earn degrees in Psychology and Law from the University of the Western Cape. Now a Candidate Legal Practitioner at Legal Aid South Africa, Andiswa is on a trajectory toward becoming a judge, symbolising hope, and inspiration for many.
My name is Bernadette Kanku, currently in my second year, studying chemical engineering at Stellenbosch University, on a full Bursary. I believe in the art of intention and taking every step with a purpose. I am goal-driven and always looking for the next thing to propel me to be the best I can be in the current stage of my life.
I have been a KMF Scholar from 2010 until 2014 and graduated from South PENINSULA HIGH SCHOOL.
I went on to complete my LLB from the University of the Western Cape and a Leadership certification from the Federick Van Zyle Institute at the University of Stellenbosch. I am currently an Attorney at ABSA and also the founder of the Girl-to-Girl Mentoring Programme an NGO which seeks to provide mentorship and support to girls in Child in Child and Youth Care Centres.
“I cannot begin to articulate how the Kay Mason Foundation has changed my life. The fact that they recognized my potential before I could is something I carry with me daily. Through The Kay Mason Foundation, I have learned that true power lies in the individual, what you decide to do with it does not only shape your future but the future of those around you. This realization is what I live my life by and I have only the KMF to thank for that. “
Ziyana was a KMF Scholar from 2004 through 2008, when she graduated from Livingstone High School. She went on to study social science at the University of Cape Town (UCT), focusing on political studies, philosophy, justice and transformation. In 2018 she secured a master’s in political studies. She’s currently working as a teacher’s assistant while pursuing a Ph.D. on a Fulbright scholarship at Binghamton University.
Ziyana says: ‘The Kay Mason Foundation exposed me to brand new people, places and opportunities. My experiences as a KMF scholar have convinced me of the important role education plays in any young person’s life, and in my academic research I am committed to pursuing sustainable solutions to society’s critical problems.’
Nicole was a KMF Scholar from 2010 until 2014, when she graduated from Camps Bay High School. She went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Cape Town, specializing in organizational psychology and industrial sociology. She is now an HR generalist at TRACE Southern Africa. Nicole is also the founder of the Sister Assist Foundation.
Nicole says: ‘Had my path not crossed with the Kay Mason Foundation’s, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to spend my life helping others through my chosen career path, and that realization was planted the moment I became a scholar at KMF.’
Naledi was a KMF Scholar from 2006 until 2010, when she graduated from Westafor High School. She went on to complete her bachelor’s in social science at the University of Cape Town, specializing in both public policy and administration & sociology. She now works as a lecturer at UCT and as an entrepreneur, and she is currently pursuing a PhD in African languages and literatures.
Naledi says: ‘My KMF scholarship gave me the tenacity and boost which I needed to push through my circumstances. I realized that I could dream big and know that my dreams were valid, even though I was poor. The support and guidance which I received from the Kay Mason Foundation will stay with me for the rest of my life.’
Desree was a KMF Scholar from 2008 until 2012, when she graduated from Camps Bay High School. She went on to complete her BCom (Hons) in financial management at Stellenbosch University. She is now an investment banking associate in the export and credit finance team at Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB).
Desree says: ‘I never had to worry about getting stationery on time, or not being able to attend school due to outstanding school fees – I was allowed to be a child and enjoy school. The lessons learnt during my years in high school as a KMF scholar are lessons that I am still able to apply in my career and personal life.’
Asongezwa was a KMF Scholar from 2009 until 2013, when he graduated from Camps Bay High School. He went on to complete a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Science, and a BCom in information systems, at the University of the Western Cape. Asongezwa now works as a Salesfore Developer at Yoco.
Asongezwa says: ‘The KMF has changed my life tremendously. I grew up in a township, and I was used to one way of living. The moment I joined KMF, I was exposed to different schools, places, and a different way of living. It is where I learnt that anything is possible and that the sky’s the limit. I was able to dream beyond my circumstances.’
The youngest of five siblings, Siphosethu’s upbringing by a dedicated domestic worker set the foundation for her resilience. Overcoming financial constraints with the help of the Kay Mason Foundation (KMF), she achieved her educational aspirations, graduating from Rhenish Girls High School in 2010, and later earning a BTech and National Diploma from Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Embodying Richard Mason’s (Founder of the KMF) belief that backgrounds don’t set futures, she currently shines as a Junior Account Manager for Publicis Group Agency MSL, inspiring others to defy their limitations.
Martin is originally from Montreal, Canada and relocated to London in 2013 to pursue his career in finance. A former Capital Markets executive with 30 years of experience, including most recently Managing Director and Head of Europe for Global Markets at a leading Canadian bank, Martin has always been passionate about people and social causes. In parallel to his career in banking he has been involved in several charitable organisations either as a board member with the CIBC Children’s Foundation, Repit-Providence or Galerie Optica, or more recently as a frontline volunteer at London City Harvest.
Martin currently sits on the board of Fnality International, a London based fintech, where he brings his expertise at building innovative businesses and his experience in governance.
A multifaceted business developer with proven experience in breaking into new markets with new business concepts and defining value propositions. Matches customer requirements with the capabilities of the business within the sector eco-system to maximize results through delivering technology-based solutions that provide transformational business propositions.
Co-founder and Director at Finance Studio. Chloe’s expertise is in streamlined accounting, local or international tax consulting and tax structuring, informed advice on start-ups or strategies to take your business to the next level.
14+ years of Financial Services industry experience across roles in marketing, operations, strategy, client engagement and CRM, banking, product development, loyalty & rewards, and investments. She has a passion for strategic marketing, research, brand building, client experience, and relationship management.
Appointed CEO in Dec 2014. Founding member of Opengate and its Products & Advanced Payments business unit in 2006. The unit was subsequently spun out of Opengate into a new company called Crossgate Technologies in December 2014. David has been active in the card and payments markets for 20 years having worked for NamITech and Opengate in business development and management roles.
Richard Mason is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and producer, whose books have sold over a million copies in 30 languages. He founded the Kay Mason Foundation in 1999, with the royalties from his best-selling first novel The Drowning People. Richard named the organisation after his sister Kay, who committed suicide when she was 24 – and who was passionate about giving young people opportunities. Richard is a recipient of the Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy.
Over twenty years as a global Executive Search/Human Capital Consulting professional and business developer with expertise in financial and professional services. Worked successfully across many disciplines including organisation strategy, talent acquisition, Board & CEO services, leadership & professional development, assessment & succession, career transition, change management and market intelligence. Coaches and mentors new entrants into the industry. A tenacious individual who sees things through.
Experienced Head of Upper School & Director of Studies with a demonstrated history of working in the Education Management industry. Skilled in Pastoral Care, staff Continued Professional Development & training, Customer Service, Classroom Management, Leadership, Educational Technology and Curriculum Development. Strong education professional with a B.Prim.Ed & B.Ed(Hons.) focused in Educational Psychology, School Management & Leadership, Physical Educational and Special Needs Requirement from Stellenbosch University/Universiteit Stellenbosch.
LESLEY-ANN BRANDT is gearing up to have her most groundbreaking year yet. She can next be seen starring as “Pearl Thorne” in the upcoming THE WALKING DEAD spinoff opposite Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira. Production recently wrapped and the series is set to premiere in 2024.
Most recently, she starred in Netflix’s fan-favorite series LUCIFER, which released its sixth and final season in September 2021. Brandt plays “Maze,” a demon from Hell and loveable anti-hero. Throughout the show’s successful run, LUCIFER’S dedicated fans have really rallied around the series by being super vocal about their love for the show, especially on social media, and championed its successful transition from Fox to Netflix in 2018.
Born and raised in Cape Town South Africa, Brandt moved to New Zealand after graduating high school where she discovered her love for acting. Growing up outside of Hollywood, pursuing acting meant a dedicated perseverance to overcome obstacles to leave her job as a recruitment consultant in I.T. and commit to her craft. After starting her career in the New Zealand series DIPOLMATIC IMMUNITY, Brandt most notably played “Naevia” in Starz’s SPARTACUS: BLOOD & SAND, which garnered her international attention. She also starred in the feature film DRIFT, opposite Sam Worthington and her other previous credits include: GOTHAM, HORROR NOIRE, THE LIBRARIANS, KILLER WOMEN, BEING MARY JANE, LEGEND OF THE SEEKER, MEMPHIS BEAT.
Brandt is committed to making an impact in the world around her; she practices veganism, is a passionate philanthropist, and devoted mother. Brandt is a producer, actor and activist currently residing in the Los Angeles.
Nicole was a KMF Scholar from 2010 until 2014, when she graduated from Camps Bay High School. She went on to complete a bachelor’s degree in social science from the University of Cape Town, specializing in organizational psychology and industrial sociology. She is now an HR generalist at TRACE Southern Africa. Nicole is also the founder of the Sister Assist Foundation.
Nicole says: ‘Had my path not crossed with the Kay Mason Foundation’s, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to spend my life helping others through my chosen career path, and that realization was planted the moment I became a scholar at KMF.’
Sabelo is a distinguished finance professional with over 13 years of experience at leading international banks, specialising in Corporate and Structured Finance. He currently serves as a Director at SMBC Group in London, a leading Japanese bank and one of the world’s largest financial institutions, where he manages over $3 billion in annual deals within the Telecoms, Digital Infrastructure, and Technology sectors.
Sabelo holds a Master’s degree in Finance with distinction from Cass Business School in London and a Bachelor of Business Science degree in Finance from the University of Cape Town in South Africa. In addition to his professional achievements, Sabelo is renowned for his athleticism and played rugby for the championship-winning University of Cape Town Ikeys 1st team, alongside two-time Rugby World Cup winners Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi.
As a Board Member of the Kay Mason Foundation, Sabelo is committed to shaping the leaders of tomorrow by leveraging his extensive network of relationships with major corporations and investors globally. His dedication to the foundation’s mission aligns with his belief in the transformative power of education and mentorship for young scholars from underserved communities.
Address:
Office 202, Omnipark building
102 Edward Street
Bo Oakdale
Cape Town
7530
Postal Address
PO Box 4893
Tygervalley
7536
Telephone: +27 21 917 1853
E-mail: hello@kmf.org.za
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