There is an old joke that goes along the lines of; “How can you tell someone went to Grey School? They will tell you!”
BUT, what a lot of them will NOT tell you is just how many present and past pupils have been supported by various Old Grey Boys through the years.
So, let me tell you of just two:
The most famous recipient of a bursary to Grey High School must be Springbok Rugby Captain Siya Kolisi – he was the recipient of a Vincent Mai bursary and posted the following on Instagram during December 2019:
Rachel and I have spent 2 days in NYC with Vincent and his wife Annie.
Vincent is a fellow Grey boy and has invested in 100’s of kids in SA through bursaries, majority of the time without ever meeting them.
I was 1 of those kids.
Without the opportunity, there is no way I’d be where I am today.
He sowed into my life without ever knowing what would come from it, and I couldnt be more grateful.
I’m so honored to have spent some time with him and his family. I’m so excited for the work we’re about to do in South Africa together.
Another prolific bursary ‘gifter’ is Nigel Bands who was Grey Junior Head Boy and spent his entire schooling at the Grey Schools.
Nigel Bands’ 25 years of dedicated bursary funding has changed the lives of countless Grey boys. His legacy is one of generosity, humility, and mentorship.
Nigel Bands joined Southsure Brokers in 1982 and took it over in the 1990’s. He matriculated from Grey High in 1968 and studied part-time through UNISA and obtained a B.Juris Law degree, plus was admitted as a Chartered Secretary [ACIS] whilst working for a variety of companies in PE, Durban, Bloemfontein and Johannesburg.
He married Louise Morgan, a PE girl in 1975 and have 5 children and 6 grandchildren. They have been resident in PE since 1982 and all 3 of their sons matriculated from Grey. One daughter went to DSG and the other to Collegiate. “I am passionate about my old school and want to give under privileged boys the opportunity to be educated at the two Grey schools. I sincerely believe that as old boys we need to put back into Grey more than we received and I have been fully supported in this by Louise, and also my children. Obviously rugby at Grey is important to me, but I am happy to obtain assistance for any deserving youngster no matter whether he is a top sportsman or just wants to improve himself and his future by coming to Grey.”
In tribute to Bands selfless giving the Grey produced the video below:
At the Grey Schools, we take pride in the rich diversity of our learners. It is a reflection of our commitment to excellence, inclusion and opportunity for all. We believe that boys with the potential to thrive at Grey should not be limited by financial circumstances. That’s why the Grey Foundation’s Bursary Programme is so vital. It provides access to a world-class education for boys from struggling families, ensuring they are given the chance to thrive, contribute, and succeed, regardless of background.
