Grey High School paid tribute to one of its most distinguished old boys on Tuesday with a legacies and legends breakfast panel discussion in honour of philanthropist Vincent Mai — behind a scholarship programme that has opened doors for more than 200 previously disadvantaged pupils, including Bok captain Siya Kolisi.
Kolisi was the 75th recipient.
The event, attended by more than 100 guests, took place at the school’s Music and Arts Centre, which was officially renamed the Vincent Mai Music and Art Centre in his honour.
Former broadcaster Gavin Cowley served as master of ceremonies during a panel discussion between Mai and Kolisi, which reflected on opportunity, gratitude and enduring spirit.
Mai was born in the Nxuba (formerly Cradock) farming area before going on to head up an investment banking division abroad.
But Mai, 85, said having the arts centre named after him was one of his biggest honours.
“For me, everything I have done around the school has been a labour of love. I had a wonderful education and experience here.
“As I got older, I realised how lucky I have been to go to this wonderful school.”
After leaving SA for the US, Mai said he started to think of what he could do to give back to his home country.
“So I thought of all the township children that could not attend a school such as Grey during my time there.
“I realised that I would like to give these talented youngsters an opportunity to experience the education I had. .
“I believe in equal opportunity for all — and it has been a joy for me to give back.
“I never expected anything like this here today. I was frankly moved that they felt they would like to do this in my honour. It is a deep honour,” Mai said.
He said another connection special to him was his relationship with retired SA cricketer Peter Pollock.
“The one [Grey] field is named the Pollock Field, which was the Front Field when I was at school.
“I opened the bowling with Peter while I was at Grey, who went on to be a great SA international, so that field is named after him.
“Then the other [connection] happens to be Siya, who went on to be one of the most famous rugby players in the world.
“Next door is the Kolisi Field and here in the middle is the Vincent Mai Music and Art Centre, so it is very special to me,” Mai said.
Mai said his mother was a concert violinist along with her friend, so he grew up in a home filled with music.
In the US, he is also the chair of The Juilliard School — a world leader in performing arts education.
“The performing arts have always been important to me.
“I work with a lot of the young students at Juilliard in New York, but seeing all these young Grey boys who are so committed to excellence in music resonates very much with me,” Mai said.
The Herald
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