Kingswood College is honoured to announce the establishment of The Michael Bandey Scholarship, a prestigious new scholarship made possible through the generous endowment of the WEM Foundation. This scholarship has been created to honour the legacy of Mr. Michael Bandey (OK 1961), a beloved alumnus, past educator, and true master of Kingswood College.
The relationship between Kingswood College and the WEM Foundation, founded by (the late) Mr Whitney and Mrs Betty MacMillan, began 25 years ago, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Mike Bandey. At the time, Mr. Bandey was Deputy Head of Kingswood Senior School and, during a visit by the MacMillan’s to Makhanda, he facilitated an introduction that would grow into a longstanding and impactful relationship. The MacMillan’s, known worldwide for their dedication to education and philanthropy, developed a special connection with Kingswood, visiting the school on several occasions over the years.
In late 2022, the WEM Foundation announced its decision to sunset the organisation by the end of 2023, marking the conclusion of its philanthropic journey. As part of its sunset plan, the Foundation made its single largest grant to Kingswood College in August 2023, amounting to $2 million, with a specific focus on supporting scholarships. In recognition of their friendship and Mr. Bandey’s enduring legacy at Kingswood, Betty MacMillan expressed a wish that one of these scholarships be named in his honour. Click here to read about the Foundation’s last visit to Kingwood in 2024.
The Michael Bandey Scholarship will stand as a lasting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to the education and development of young minds at Kingswood. It will support future generations of pupils, enabling them to benefit from the same values of excellence, dedication, and compassion that Mr. Bandey embodied throughout his life and career.
Kingswood College extends its deepest gratitude to the WEM Foundation and the MacMillan family for their unwavering support and for making this meaningful scholarship possible. The Michael Bandey Scholarship will ensure that Mr. Bandey’s legacy continues to inspire and uplift pupils for years to come.
The Michael Bandey Scholarship
The Michael Bandey Scholarship at Kingswood College is established to honour the legacy of Mr. Michael Bandey by supporting pupils who embody the values and characteristics he cherished. This scholarship aims to provide opportunities to deserving pupils who demonstrate financial need, a connection to Kingswood’s history, display all-round excellence, and a commitment to contributing positively to the school community.
Scholarship details:
Coverage: Full scholarship covering 100% tuition and boarding fees
Eligibility: Open to Grade 5–10 applicants in 2026 who reside in the Eastern Cape and are South African citizens
Criteria:
- Be the child or grandchild of an alumnus (Old Kingswoodian)
- Financial need (parents/guardians must complete a financial needs assessment)
- Talented all-rounders, with priority given to those excelling academically or in official Kingswood sports codes
- Active participation in the school’s extracurricular programme
- Commitment to community involvement through Kingswood’s engagement programme
Click here to see the full list of scholarships or find out how to apply.
About Mr Michael Bandey
Michael Bandey, affectionately known as “Mop” due to his unruly mop of black hair, has left an indelible mark on Kingswood and beyond. Born into a family deeply rooted in service, his father, a Methodist minister, became an assistant chaplain and science teacher at Kingswood in 1944, setting the stage for Mike’s lifelong connection with the school.
Michael’s journey at Kingswood began in 1956 when he joined as a boarder in Jacques House. Initially nicknamed “Chipeye” due to an early eye injury, the name “Mop” soon took over, reflecting his characteristic hairstyle. His time at Kingswood was marked by close friendships and a shared love of athletics and academics. A keen gymnast and surfer, Mike’s enthusiasm for physical activity extended beyond the school grounds to Rhodes University, where he studied Physical Education and Geography, encouraged by his lifelong friend, Midge Hilton-Green.
In 1977, Mike took on the role of Housemaster of Chubb House, a position he held with distinction for 11 years. His influence extended far beyond the classroom and the house he led. As Head of Athletics for an impressive 32 years, he not only oversaw the development of countless athletes but also introduced gymnastics and drum majorettes to the school during the 1970s and 80s. His passion for physical education was evident in every aspect of his work, and his legacy continues through the Michael Bandey Athletics Trophy, awarded for the best athletic performance, perhaps in association with the prestigious Hirsch Shield.
Mike’s commitment to service extended beyond Kingswood. A dedicated Rotarian, he served as District Governor, demonstrating the same quiet confidence and leadership that defined his career in education. His personal life, marked by both joy and sorrow, was a testament to his resilience and strength. He was a loving father to three sons, David, John, and Gavin, and a devoted husband. His first wife, Anne, with whom he shared a deep bond, passed away after a 14-year battle with cancer. Anne’s memory lives on, fondly recalled through her famous “Anne’s Fudge.” Mike later found love and companionship with his now wife, Jeanie (nee Main), a long-time friend who he has shared this special chapter of his life with.
Outside of his professional life, Mike was an individual of diverse interests. He taught himself to play the clarinet and harmonica, no easy feat. He also developed a passion for wildlife, camping, and birding, often embarking on trips to distant game parks. His personal attraction was his patient and sincere interest in others, coupled with his remarkable ability to listen and empathize with everyone he encountered.
Those who knew Mike Bandey remember him as a man of quiet determination, unwavering kindness, and a remarkable sense of humour. As his lifelong friend, Midge Hilton-Green, Past Headmaster of Kingswood Junior, fondly recalled, “He was always the friend one dreams of having—wise in his words, always encouraging, and ready to respond in any way needed at the drop of a hat.” Another memory from their school days paints a vivid picture of Mike’s character: “He was a quietly logical, confident person—a great one to approach for advice; he was also quick to laugh and had a great sense of humour.”
Mike’s legacy at Kingswood and in the wider community is one of dedication, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The Michael Bandey Scholarship, established through an endowment by the WEM Foundation, stands as a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to the school and its pupils. His memory will continue to inspire future generations of Kingswoodians to strive for greatness, just as he did throughout his life.