HOW THE IMPACT TAKES SHAPE

Every year, we encourage exceptional grade 6 learners (aged 11 to 12) from underserved communities across the Western Cape to apply for the KMF Scholarship PROGRAM.

When we review applications, we look beyond academic potential to find something even more powerful: character, resilience and the capacity to lead with integrity.

Successful applicants receive:

  • Scholarships at top-performing schools from Grade 8 to Grade 12
  • Academic tutoring and structured learning support
  • Psychosocial care and counselling
  • Ethical leadership development and life skills training
  • Mentorship, community service opportunities and family support
  • Access to international networks of professionals and industry leaders that would otherwise be out of reach
  • Connection to a lifelong KMF Alumni Network, opening doors to global opportunities

MORE THAN A REPORT CARD

KMF Scholars are expected to maintain a minimum 65% academic average. With the right support, most exceed it.

After graduating high school, the vast majority continue to higher education, many on full scholarships.

But academic success is only part of the journey.

The real outcome is resilient, confident, well-rounded, ethical young leaders who are equipped for life and ready to create lasting change.

WHY WE EXIST

Potential is universal. Opportunity is not. We exist to bridge that gap by nurturing, sharpening and believing in exceptional young people whose potential should never be limited by circumstance.

THE FUTURE WE'RE STRIVING FOR

We envision a more sustainable, fairer future led by bold, principled and compassionate leaders whose character is shaped not by privilege, but by purpose.

HOW WE'RE CREATING CHANGE

Our mission is to find, educate and nurture the next generation of ethical leaders – promising young people whose experience of hardship has become a driving force for positive impact.

OUR PROGRAMS

KMF Scholarship

Successful applicants become KMF Scholars and gain access to top-performing Cape Town schools, with full support from Grade 8 to 12.

Youth Empowerment

Children participate in age-specific programs that equip them with the values, skills and mindset they need to thrive as future leaders.

Holistic Support

Ongoing medical care, psychosocial support and counselling services to strengthen the complete wellbeing of Scholars and their families.

Catapult Program

Career guidance, mentorship and workplace experience initiatives to prepare KMF Scholars and alumni for life beyond high school.

Alumni Development

Scholars become part of the KMF’s growing network of alumni who actively support and uplift the next generation of young leaders.

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Our founder, Richard Mason, is an award-winning novelist, screenwriter and producer, whose books have sold over a million copies in 30 languages.

The KMF’s namesake, Kay Mason, was Richard’s late sister.

When Kay passed away, Richard Mason turned his grief into her legacy. In 1999, he co-founded the Kay Mason Foundation under the patronage of Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, using the royalties from his first best-selling novel, The Drowning People.

His vision was to give promising young people from South Africa’s poorest communities access to quality education.

In 2010, Richard received the Inyathelo Award for Philanthropy in honour of his contributions to South African youth.

What began as tragedy became a lesson about joy, and how to find it.

MEET OUR TEAM

The hands and hearts on the ground.

Moya Wolff
Moya Wolff
Head of Strategic Partnerships

After a varied career in teaching and business across South Africa, the UK, and Japan, Moya discovered her true passion in 2007 when she joined the social development sector. Realising that her work could contribute more meaningfully to social change inspired her to use her skills to help non-profit organisations thrive.

In 2010, she co-founded Women in Philanthropy South Africa (WiPSA), a volunteer-driven organisation that creates opportunities for women in the social sector to network, collaborate, and share best practice.

Through Rhodes Business School, Moya qualified as a professional advancement practitioner and has since had the privilege of working with a diverse range of organisations to strengthen their long-term financial sustainability and maximise their impact. These include The Clothing Bank, Habitat for Humanity South Africa, FutureMe, Ikamva Labantu, Gold Youth, and Canon Collins Trust.

Nolufefe Lubisi
Nolufefe Lubisi
Senior social development manager

Nolufefe Lubisi is a Social Worker, Life Coach and Mediator with extensive experience in therapeutic work with both children and adults across different settings.

She has a strong background in child and family therapy, and client-centred interventions and has also worked extensively in employee wellness. Her expertise enables her to guide individuals and groups through intrapersonal and interpersonal challenges.  

In her role at the Kay Mason Foundation, she contributes to the development and strengthening of psychosocial programmes that support holistic youth development. 

Nolufefe is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces that nurture growth, healing and positive transformation.  She often uses play in her therapeutic work because healing doesn’t always have to be heavy. 

Reneé Jansen
Reneé Jansen
Marketing Manager

With over 13 years of experience, Reneé Jansen is a seasoned content writer, brand strategist and creative generalist whose career spans multiple disciplines, including content and social media strategy, brand building, public relations, executive messaging and digital marketing.

Reneé Jansen intentionally developed as a generalist, building a versatile skillset that adapts seamlessly across formats, audiences, industries and markets.

Driven by a passion to become a full-suite marketer, she brings a unique creative perspective to every project, combining storytelling with strategic insight.

This holistic approach is underpinned by a strong academic foundation, having graduated cum laude with an Honours degree in Religious Studies, and a lifelong appreciation for learning shaped by a family legacy in education.

Now, with over a decade of experience, she is focused on adding value to the KMF team, bringing together creativity, strategic thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset to deliver meaningful, impactful work.

Stacey-Anne Maritz
Stacey-Anne Maritz
Head of donor relations

Stacey has always excelled at whatever she puts her mind to. 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.

Zukisa Makwabe
Zukisa Makwabe
Social auxiliary worker

I was born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa. After completing my matric at Oval North High School in 2018, I enrolled at the University of Cape Town, where I pursued a Bachelor of Social Work degree and graduated in 2023.

During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong passion for working with young people from disadvantaged communities. My experience exposed me to the challenges many youths face, inspiring my commitment to youth empowerment and social justice.

This passion motivated me to focus my efforts on supporting young people and helping create opportunities for positive development and growth.

Following my graduation, I began actively volunteering within probation services that focus on restorative justice. In this role, I contributed to initiatives aimed at diverting young offenders away from crime and preventing them from acquiring criminal records at an early age.

My work centred on rehabilitation, accountability, and providing youth with guidance and support to make constructive life choices.

I currently serve as a Social Auxiliary Worker at the Kay Mason Foundation, where I support various departments with programme implementation and administrative responsibilities. Through this role, I contribute to initiatives that promote youth development and academic support.

I am also a master’s candidate at the University of Cape Town, where I am pursuing a master’s degree in criminal justice social work. I have a particular interest in Forensic Social Work and am committed to continuing my work with children and youth within the justice system, advocating for rehabilitation, protection and meaningful social change.

Siyamthanda Gcwabe
Siyamthanda Gcwabe
Social development manager

I am a social work scholar, youth development practitioner and community leader from the Western Cape. I graduated from the University of the Western Cape with a Bachelor of Social Work, where I developed a strong academic interest in youth development, social justice, and community-based interventions aimed at addressing poverty and social inequality.

My academic journey has been shaped by a deep commitment to empowering young people and strengthening communities through research and service.

During my time at the University of the Western Cape, I served as a student tutor for two years (2022–2023) in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences.

In this role, I supported undergraduate students academically, assisting them with research, academic writing and critical thinking skills. My work as a tutor reflected my dedication to academic mentorship and student success.

Beyond the classroom, I have gained practical experience in community development and social service delivery. I previously served as a Development Officer within the University of the Western Cape’s Living and Learning Office, where I was involved in program coordination, student development initiatives, and community engagement projects designed to strengthen support systems within student residences.

I am currently pursuing postgraduate research in the Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Sciences at the University of the Western Cape.

My master’s research explores how sport and recreational programs can help mitigate at-risk youth behavior while promoting positive youth development and social change.

Lebogang Maponya
Lebogang Maponya
Social development manager

I am a social worker who is passionate about supporting young people as they grow, discover their strengths and build meaningful futures. Originally from Limpopo, I studied Social Work at Stellenbosch University, where my interest in working with young people and communities was shaped.

Over the years, I have worked in a variety of specialised fields within social work including healthcare, child protection and addiction care. My professional journey has also taken me beyond South Africa. I spent a year in South Korea working as an English teacher, an experience that broadened my worldview even more.

At the Kay Mason Foundation, I now bring together my varied social work experience in my role as Social Development Manager for the Catapult and Alumni Programs. Outside of work, I enjoy eating delicious food, music, running, hiking and spending time with my family.

Noëline de Goede
Noëline de Goede
Chief Executive Officer

I was born in the Overberg and after matriculating, I went to study at the University of Stellenbosch, where I obtained my BA Social Work degree in 1996.

I got married in 1997 and have two children who were born in 2007 and 2009.  I also completed the Management Advancement Program at WITS Business School.

I love working with people and am passionate about human development and good governance within the NPO sector.  I am dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of those I work with and remain committed to seeing the Kay Mason Foundation grow from strength to strength.

Lindie Ammon
Lindie Ammon
Senior finance manager

I am Lindie Ammon, the Senior Finance Manager at the Kay Mason Foundation Group, with over 20 years’ experience in the non-profit sector backed by a strong corporate finance background. I’ve spent the past 12 years helping strengthen financial governance, sustainability, and accountability across the organisation, while also supporting emerging NPOs to build solid financial foundations.

What drives me most is seeing the real impact of the Kay Mason Foundation’s work – watching scholars grow from young students into confident professionals who believe in their potential.

Creating meaningful change is deeply important to me, and I’m proud to play a role in strengthening education and opportunity in South Africa.

Stephanie Kotze
Stephanie Kotze
Senior social development manager

I am Stephanie Kotze, a Social Development Manager at the Kay Mason Foundation. I am a qualified social worker and work within the Social Development team to provide psycho-social support to scholars, to ensure they receive the holistic support needed to thrive academically and personally, while managing the recruitment and high school preparation programme.

What motivates me most is witnessing scholars flourish from unsure Grade 6 learners at their first assessments into confident, ethical leaders with integrity by the time they reach Grade 12. It is a true privilege to walk alongside them, follow their journeys, and witness their growth over the years.

Alvina Naidoo
Alvina Naidoo
Finance and fundraising support

I am Alvina Naidoo and I am the Administration Officer at the Kay Mason Foundation, where I oversee administrative processes, support financial and operational coordination and ensure the smooth day-to-day running of KMF’s activities.  

With over 15 years of experience across finance, administration, corporate communications, marketing, and events, I bring structure, efficiency and reliability to the team. 

I am passionate, goal-driven, and highly organised. The team knows me as the “go-to” person who takes initiative and gets things done.

I am motivated by the belief that positive change begins with action and am inspired daily by the words: “We must become the change we wish to see in the world.” Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, travelling and creating meaningful memories. 

MEET OUR ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD

Former KMF Scholars who are now our most powerful change-makers.

Asongezwa Sitwebile
Asongezwa Sitwebile
KMF Scholar | 2009 - 2013

After graduating from Camps Bay High School, Asongezwa 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.

As he explains: ‘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.’

Amy Zoemis
Amy Zoemis
KMF Scholar | 2012 - 2016

Matriculating in 2016 from Camps Bay High School, Amy went on to complete short courses in Branding, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing at PACE University in New York.

Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of the People, she works as an Executive Assistant to the CEO in the mergers and acquisitions sector of e-commerce businesses.

Aluthando Akpaka
Aluthando Akpaka
KMF Scholar | 2017 - 2021

Aluthando matriculated in 2021 from Bosmansdam High School. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Cape Town and is currently working in Customer Service at EXL.

Sisanda Madwayi
Sisanda Madwayi
KMF Scholar | 2016 - 2020

Sisanda matriculated in 2020 from Settlers High School. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Psychology, English, and Language and Communication Studies from the University of the Western Cape, as well as an Honours degree in Development Studies. She hopes to continue with her Honours in Psychology next year. Sisanda is currently working at DHL Global Forwarding as an HR Graduate.

Tanyaradzwa Mupfure
Tanyaradzwa Mupfure
KMF Scholar | 2017 - 2021

Tanyaradzwa matriculated in 2021 from the Cape Academy of Maths, Science and Technology. She is currently studying towards a Bachelor of Social Work at the University of the Western Cape.

Cecelia Bester
Cecelia Bester
KMF Scholar | 2017 - 2021

Cecelia matriculated in 2021 from Protea Heights Academy. She is currently studying towards a BA in Humanities, majoring in Psychology, at Stellenbosch University.

Patricia Hector
Patricia Hector
KMF Scholar | 2010 - 2014

After graduating 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 and Youth Care Centres.

“I cannot begin to articulate how The Kay Mason Foundation has changed my life. The fact that they recognised 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 realisation is what I live my life by and I have only The KMF to thank for that.“

Bernadette Kanku
Bernadette Kanku
KMF Scholar | 2017 - 2021

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 this current stage of my life.

Andiswa Tom
Andiswa Tom
KMF Scholar | 1999 - 2003

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 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.

MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The people who guide the KMF with purpose and integrity.

Adelyn Jones
Adelyn Jones
Board member | Scholar and scholar programs

Adelyn Jones is a U.S.-based Board Member supporting financial governance of The Kay Mason Foundation. She holds an MBA from The George Washington University and has spent her career guided by a lifelong belief in our divine connection and the boundless potential within each of us.

Her path has included work with environmental advocacy organisations in Washington, D.C., producing and hosting her own radio show in Nashville, and currently serving as Executive Producer of Yogis of Ukraine, a documentary bearing witness to Ukrainians’ extraordinary capacity for resilience and the light and love they hold in the darkest of times.

For Adelyn, joining The Kay Mason Foundation is a profound honor. She is deeply moved by Richard Mason’s decision, in his early twenties, to devote the proceeds of his early success to honoring his sister and opening doors for young South Africans — scholars whose backgrounds, as Richard has always believed, do not set their futures.

She shares the Foundation’s conviction that every young person deserves the right support, and that when they have it, they can become the leaders the world needs.

Simon Lincoln Reader
Simon Lincoln Reader
Board member | Fundraising

Simon is a litigation finance partner at Audley Capital and a co-founder of the Lofotr Investors marketplace. In addition, he is a correspondent for The Commonsense newspaper, and a writing fellow for the Institute of Race Relations, South Africa’s oldest think tank.

Previously he was a founding partner of RE:Capital and a partner at 3JE Capital both based in South Africa.

Simon spent his formative years working in a game reserve, before moving into South African government policy projects in 2003. Here, he managed campaigns addressing the HIV/Aids pandemic, working with donors and aid agencies.

Sabelo Siyakatshana
Sabelo Siyakatshana
Board member | Finance and Governance

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.

Lesley-Ann Brandt
Lesley-Ann Brandt
Board member | Fundraising

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 Diplomatic Immunity, Brandt most notably played “Naevia” in Starz’s Spartacus: Blood and 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 and 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 Los Angeles.

Karen Traut
Karen Traut
Board member | Scholar and scholar programs

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.

Angela Stokes
Angela Stokes
Board member | Fundraising

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.

Richard Mason
Richard Mason
Founder and Philanthropist

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.

Lynda Cooper
Lynda Cooper
Board member | Marketing

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.

Chloe Blumberg
Chloe Blumberg
Treasurer & Board Member | Finance and governance

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.

Catherine Gull
Catherine Gull
Board Member | Fundraising

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.

Martin Autotte
Martin Autotte
Treasurer & Board Member | Finance and governance

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.

Siphosethu Pama
Siphosethu Pama
Chairperson & Board Member | Marketing

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, 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 an Account Manager for Publicis Group Agency MSL, inspiring others to defy their limitations.

WE’RE HERE

TO BE CLEAR

View any of our governance information
at any time.

Financial Statements

Download our latest financial statements.

DOWNLOAD ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT

AGM Reports

Dowload our Annual General Meeting report for 2025.

DOWNLOAD AGM REPORT

Corporate & Governance Policies

Download a copy of Our Corporate Governance Ethics and GDPR Policies Handbook.

DOWNLOAD CORPORATE & GOVERNANCE POLICIES