Hundreds of promising young South Africans will gain life-changing access to education, mentorship, and leadership development thanks to the R12.5 million raised at the Kay Mason Foundation’s inaugural Hummingbird Ball hosted in London recently.

Founded by bestselling novelist Richard Mason, in memory of his sister Kay, the Kay Mason Foundation works to identify and nurture the leaders of tomorrow.  Over 26 years since the royalties from Mason’s global bestseller The Drowning People provided the funds to send four scholars to great schools, hundreds of kids from South Africa’s toughest communities have gone through the KMF programs – making the journey from informal settlements to careers as doctors, entrepreneurs, teachers, psychologists, lawyers and changemakers.

The Foundation, with their head offices based in Cape Town and whose first patron was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, is now calling on individuals and corporates – especially in South Africa – to get involved in transforming lives.

Whether through financial support, mentorship, or skill-sharing, the message is clear: everyone can play a role in allowing deserving scholars to become the future leaders SA needs.

A call to action for South Africans who want to make a real difference in the lives of young people and the future of SA

“There are so many ways to give,” said South African-born star of the hit show Lucifer and  KMF board member Lesley-Ann Brandt. “There is the obvious financial donation, but if there are people who have a specific skill set and can mentor a young person, that is another valuable way to give back.”

She added, “We’re planning a Hummingbird Ball in Cape Town, where I’ll get to introduce the organisation to more South Africans. To have influential people there to learn and be inspired is so important. Something Richard [Mason] always points out is that the pleasure we get from buying a tangible item, like a bag or a car, eventually goes away. But investing in a child and watching that child succeed is a joy that grows. That’s what we’re in the business of: giving joy to donors and the kids they support.”

The black-tie gala in London drew an influential crowd of philanthropists, celebrities, and leaders across business and society. Guests included Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, Emmy-winner Tom Hollander, Sir Ben Okri, and members of the British royal family. Irons donated his Bulgari wrist watch to the auction, which featured luxury experiences with Eddie Redmayne, Joanna Lumley, and Bear Grylls. Live music by Chris Read and appearances by philanthropists Hardy McLain, founder of the UK’s largest private equity fund, Ronan Dunne, CEO of Vodacom, and the Marquess of Cholmondeley added to the energy of the night.

Each table was named after a current KMF scholar or alumnus, with their personal stories featured on custom-designed cards. The Mistress of Ceremonies, Enathi Ndaba—a KMF alumna, who has taken a pay cut from her job in finance to join the organisation’s development team – embodied the KMF’s impact as she led an evening of powerful storytelling.

The Hummingbird Spirit: Everyone Can Do Something

“Hummingbirds make the impossible happen,” says KMF founder Richard Mason.  “They need to eat 24/7 yet somehow fly vast distances.  Some species beat their wings 5,000 times a minute, which is what you have to do if you’re born in a gang-ridden suburb and want to become a High Court justice.  But hummingbirds are also beautiful, and they fertilise the entire ecosystem.  We think of our scholars as human Hummingbirds, and we named the ball in their honour.”

How You Can Help

KMF is actively expanding its reach in South Africa and invites the public to:

●       Mentor a scholar – Share your professional expertise or life skills

●       Volunteer your time or services

●       Subject tutoring & homework assistance

●       Offer corporate sponsorship or planned giving. The KMF has the highest possible BBBEE rating, maximising your company’s ROI

●       Donate funds—every rand makes a difference

●       Host a fundraising initiative in your community or company

●       Donate gifts in the form of stationery, office supplies, computers and other necessities

●       Run/Walk/Hike/Cycle/Swim for the KMF with a back-a-buddy initiative

“We don’t just fund school fees. We fund futures,” says Noëline de Goede, CEO of KMF. “We aim to cultivate ethical leaders who will give back to their communities, their industries, and their country.”

For more information, please email: he***@*****rg.za