INVEST IN THE LEADERS OUR WORLD NEEDS

Your support unlocks the leadership potential of talented young scholars born into the toughest circumstances by providing them with access to world-class education and holistic support. 

4 in 10 South African learners never finish high school.

This statistic doesn’t have to be the story we tell about South Africa’s children. 

The KMF nurtures and educates young leaders who can change this picture. 

For good. 

Founded in 1999 by Richard Mason in memory of his sister Kay, the KMF is built on a powerful belief:

All young people, regardless of their circumstances, deserve the chance to rise.

Through our unique model, refined over nearly three decades, we identify bright, determined Grade 6 learners (aged 11–12) from underserved communities and invest deeply in their education and personal development.

We don’t just help them succeed. We help them lead.

Together with our partners, we have helped over 600 scholars who would otherwise be left behind.

With your help, we can do so much more.

OUR IMPACT IN NUMBERS

27

years in operation

99

matric pass rate

600

scholarships awarded

90

employed alumni

TRANSFORMING LEARNERS INTO LEADERS

True impact – the kind that transforms – doesn’t have an endpoint. It ripples outward. It extends far beyond the individual.

We believe that leadership is the engine of transformative impact. Because leaders don’t run away from problems, they run towards them.

KMF Scholars come from backgrounds marked by hardship, poverty and limited opportunity. To change their course, they must defy the odds. And they do.

The end of high school is where their impact begins. 

They are lawyers fighting for justice.

They are top academics winning Fulbright scholarships, earning PhDs, and advising governments.

They are founders of multi-million-dollar companies.

They tackle HIV, make art, shoot movies and pay it forward.

They choose integrity, even when no one is watching.

They radiate joy.

Their stories reveal a powerful truth: an investment in the life of one KMF Scholar becomes an investment in families, communities, countries, and our world.

HEAR FROM OUR SCHOLARS

  • Being a KMF Scholar means so much more than just financial support. It represents growth, opportunity, and belief – belief that I can reach my full potential. The programme has helped me become more confident, focused and determined to aim higher every term. Knowing that someone believes in me motivates me to push harder and stay grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. Thank you for making a difference in my life, for investing in my dreams and for helping me become the best version of myself.

    Tatum-Leigh N.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • Being a KMF Scholar means a lot to me. It’s as a sign that someone believes in my potential, even in the moments where I doubt myself. I don't think I would have learnt how to express myself without the scholarship. In primary school, I felt the need to act a certain way in order for people to like me, but the few years I've been a KMF scholar, I learnt that I don't have to do any of that. I just need to be myself. Realising that made my high-school experience way better. I am very grateful for your generosity and for being part of the programme that changes lives.

    Sisipho M.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • My scholarship means the world to me. Signing up for it, I never thought that I would come this far. This scholarship not only supported me financially, but emotionally as well. Without it and all the help The KMF has given me, I would not have become as wise as I now am. I have met so many new people and birthed new opportunities for myself, and it helped me grow as a person. Milnerton High would have had one less person if it was not for Kay Mason. I am really proud to call myself a Kay Mason Scholar and I appreciate all your help and support.

    Lufezo J.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • Being a KMF Scholar means so much to me. It constantly reminds me to aim higher and make the most of every opportunity. The KMF has taught me discipline, responsibility and gratitude. Knowing that there are people who believe in me, pushes me to keep improving and doing my best. Not just for myself, but so that one day I can give back in the same way.

    Amaara M.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • Being a KMF Scholar has been a life-changing experience for me. The support has not only enabled me to access quality education but has also given me the opportunity to develop skills and build meaningful connections. The mentorship and guidance I received from the KMF team has helped me navigate the challenges of high school and plan for my future.

    Lulibo M.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • Being part of the KMF family has been such a blessing. I am grateful for every workshop we went to – each one gave me a new perspective on life and little nuggets to take home and implement in my life. The KMF is like a petrol station. When I am on the road and my tank runs empty and the car is dirty and beat up, the KMF is always there to refuel and repair me. 

    Jahdene N.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • I give God all the honour and praise for keeping me on my feet this year and for strengthening me through my sweat and tears. I also want to thank The Kay Mason Foundation for supporting me and helping me throughout this year. I literally don’t know where I would be without them.

    Keisha I.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • Being a KMF Scholar has truly changed my life. It has given me the chance to dream bigger, stay focused and believe in myself. I’ve learned that education is not just about grades but about personal growth and purpose. I’m so thankful to my donor for believing in me and for helping me reach my full potential.

    Farah P.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

  • Being a Kay Mason Foundation Scholar has been a privilege and a constant source of motivation. It has taught me to work hard, grab every opportunity with both hands and to always aim beyond the stars. I am deeply grateful.

    Jawaad B.
    Grade 10 KMF Scholar

OUR COMMUNITY OF CHANGE-MAKERS

Behind every KMF Scholar is a network of corporate and individual donors. These change-makers, like the partners below, believe that developing exceptional leaders is one of the most powerful ways to address the challenges facing our world. 

They understand that deep, lasting change takes vision, commitment and patience.  

We invite you to join this network and help shape a future that reaches far beyond one child.  

HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR PARTNERS

We as DHL Global Forwarding would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude towards the Kay Mason Foundation in Cape Town. This remarkable organization has had an immense impact on the lives of countless young individuals. The Kay Mason Foundation stands as…

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DHL

DHL
Global Logistics

Access to good quality basic education in South Africa is way out of reach mainly due to a broader basic education system that is seriously challenged. Investec through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) division has partnered with the Kay Mason Foundation…

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DHL

Investec
Global Finance Group

The Lewis Group, in our quest to honour our late CEO’s legacy, embarked on a journey to find a suitable scholarship programme, which would be aligned with our socio-economic development strategy and also pay homage to Alan Smart, ex-CEO of the group for many years.

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DHL

Lewis
Leading Retailer

In memory of our late patron, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said that:

“Ultimately, our greatest joy is when we seek to do good for others”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu

STAY IN THE LOOP

Join the Kay Mason Foundation network and see the difference your support makes.

We’ll keep you updated on scholar success stories, exciting news and upcoming events.

No spam, just real impact.