Kay Mason Foundation

About the Kay Mason Foundation

The Kay Mason Foundation (KMF) is a non-profit organisation based in Bellville, Cape Town. Richard Mason started it in 1999 as a memorial to his sister, Kay. Its belief is simple: every young person deserves a fair chance to rise, whatever their circumstances.

KMF has awarded more than 600 scholarships over its history. It reports a very high matric pass rate among its scholars. Many alumni now work in professions such as medicine, and some have gone on to start their own companies.

How KMF supports learners

The KMF High School Scholarship is different from a university bursary. It supports talented learners from Grade 8 to matric at partner schools in the Western Cape. The Foundation looks for promising learners in Grade 6, so the application takes place long before high school begins.

The funding goes well beyond school fees. Depending on need, it can cover transport, uniforms, sports equipment, textbooks, stationery and school lunches. It also pays for extramural activities.

Money is only part of the package. Scholars receive tutoring, mentorship and psychometric testing. They also get career guidance and emotional and social support through the Senior Scholar Preparation Programme. After matric, KMF continues to help its alumni with post-school plans. This long view explains why the Foundation talks about walking the journey alongside each child.

The scholarship also reflects a lasting need in South African education. Many bright children from low-income homes lose their place in school because of cost, long travel or a lack of guidance. By starting in Grade 8 and staying until matric, KMF gives a learner five steady years in a strong school. That stability often shapes later choices about university, bursaries and careers.

What to know before applying

Parents or guardians apply on behalf of the child. In recent years, the learner had to be in Grade 6, a South African citizen and aged between 10 and 13. The family had to live in the Western Cape, within reach of Bellville, and have a combined gross household income of no more than R17 500 per month. Rules can change, so confirm the current criteria with KMF.

The Foundation looks at each child's aptitude, attitude, behaviour and home circumstances. Documents often include a birth certificate, the parent's ID, recent school reports, proof of income and bank statements. The child must also write a short essay by hand about their family and community.

Because the intake is small and the selection is careful, apply early and submit a complete set of papers. You can reach the Foundation through the contact page on its website, or on 021 917 1853.