On Friday the 16th of November 2024, Kingswood College celebrated a significant moment in its history with the final Trustees meeting of the year for the Kingswood College Centenary Trust and the Kingswood College Scholarship and Bursary Trust. This special occasion marked not only the conclusion of the year but also the commemoration of two major anniversaries: the 30th anniversary of the Kingswood College Centenary Trust and the 15th anniversary of the Kingswood College Scholarship and Bursary Trust.
The meeting, held at the Kingswood College Museum, was chaired by Mr Jonty Fincham (OK 1990), who will be stepping down as Chairman after an impressive tenure from 2018 to 2024. On behalf of Kingswood, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Jonty for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Trustees. His guidance and dedication to this role have been instrumental in advancing the school’s mission and securing its future. We are grateful that Jonty will continue to serve as a trustee, and we look forward to his continued contributions to Kingswood’s legacy.
“Jonty’s leadership, stewardship, and wise counsel have left an enduring legacy at Kingswood College, benefiting the school, its pupils, and the wider community. Through his dedicated servant leadership, he has strengthened the trusts, leaving them in a far better position. His legacy is indelibly etched into Kingswood’s future, shaping its path for future generations”—Richard Gaybba (Vice Chair of Council, Active Vice President of the Old Kingswoodian Club).
From 2025, the chairmanship will be handed over to Mr Chris Meyer (OK 1989), a Trustee whose experience and commitment to Kingswood will undoubtedly build upon the strong foundations laid by Mr Fincham. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Trusts, as they continue to play a pivotal role in securing the future of Kingswood College.
“As I hand over the reins to Mr Chris Meyer (OK 1989), I do so with full confidence in his ability to lead the Trust with the same vision and commitment. Chris brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Kingswood. His recent past includes his role as the former Group CEO of Lesaka Technologies Inc and before that, Joint-Managing Director of Investec Bank. His leadership, combined with the collective expertise of the Trustees, ensures that the Scholarship and Bursary Trust will continue to thrive.” —Jonty Fincham
The meeting was graced by the presence of two distinguished guests: Mr Brian Stocks (Class of 1965), one of the original signatories of the Kingswood College Centenary Trust, and Mr Mark Sardi (OK 1987), a founding signatory of the Kingswood College Scholarship and Bursary Trust. It was a poignant moment as they joined Mr Fincham for a commemorative photo, symbolising the enduring legacy of commitment that has supported the College over the decades. Both gentlemen are serving as current Trustees.
Photo: Mr Chris Meyer (OK 1989) and Kingswood College Centenary Trust Trustees 2008 (Back Row: Mr R Randall, Mr A Vorster, Mr T Judge. Front Row: Mr B Stocks, Mr T Ansley, Mr L Morrison. Absent Mr M Sadie)
The Kingswood College Centenary Trust, established on 18 February 1994, began with a modest initial investment and the vision of securing Kingswood’s future. The founding Trustees, including Mr. Henri De Villiers (1942) as Chairman, Mr. Brian Stocks (1965), Mr. Brian Miles (1973), Mr. Tony Behrman (1955), Mr. Barry Wood (1959), Mr. John Matthews (1950), Mr. Lindsay Morrison (OK 1953), and Mr. Hugh Ansley (OK 1960) set forth a legacy of philanthropy that has grown significantly over the past 30 years. Today, the Trust continues to be a cornerstone in supporting the College’s mission to provide quality education and opportunities for its pupils.
The Kingswood College Scholarship and Bursary Trust was registered on 2 December 2009, with a mission to provide financial assistance to deserving pupils. Thanks to the foresight of its founding Trustees (Mr. Hugh Ansley, Mr. Alistair Collier, Mr. Lindsay Morrison, Mr. Tim Judge, Mr. Ross Randall, Mr. Mark Sardi, and Mr Anton Vorster), the Trust has enabled numerous pupils to benefit from a Kingswood education, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of talent and potential. This commitment to accessibility remains at the heart of the Trust’s ongoing work.
The Kingswood College Trusts are managed by an independent Board of Trustees, comprising members from the College Council and Old Kingswoodian representatives. These Trusts provide vital support for the College, with funds carefully managed in partnership with Melville Douglas to maximise impact. Donors have the flexibility to choose how their contributions are channelled, whether through scholarships, bursaries, or long-term endowment funds.
As we move forward into 2025 under the leadership of Chris Meyer, Kingswood is poised to continue its tradition of excellence. The Trustees’ meeting was not only a celebration of past achievements but also a testament to the shared values and enduring commitment of the Kingswood community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our Trustees, past and present, for their dedication and vision. This milestone occasion reaffirms our collective efforts to uphold Kingswood’s legacy while embracing new opportunities to make a meaningful impact for future generations.
Kingswood College Centenary Trust Trustees 2024:
Mr Jonty Fincham (OK 1990) (Chairman)
Mr Alex Eliott (OK 1987)
Mr Brian Stocks (OK 1965)
Mr Bruce Brown (OK 2000)
Mr James Starke (1999)
Adv Lawrence Schafer (OK 1990)
Chris Meyer (OK 1989)
Mark Sardi (OK 1987)
