Muir Foundation October Newsletter

The chairman's desk

As we near the end of 2026, it is a good time to reflect on the progress made by The Muir Foundation and to look ahead to the opportunities that lie ahead.

This has been a year of development, change and renewed focus as the Foundation continues to strengthen its role in supporting Muir College and its future.

From building on the success of existing projects to exploring new initiatives and opportunities, the Foundation remains committed to creating a lasting impact.

As we look towards 2027, we are excited about what can be achieved through the continued support of Old Muirites, parents, friends and partners of Muir College. There is much still to be done, but there is also much to look forward to.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Foundation and believes in the future of Muir.

Regards,
Andrew Binning, Chairman

Who fits in where?

One Muir community. Three distinct roles. One shared vision.

The Muir Foundation: Fundraising & Future Development. Raising funds, securing partnerships and investing in projects that support Muir College and its future.
Old Muirite Union: Social Connection & Networking. Connecting Old Muirites, building relationships, organising events and keeping the Muir community connected across generations.
Muir College School Governing Body: School Governance & Oversight. Providing governance and oversight in support of the school's needs, development and educational environment.

A new chapter for The Muir Foundation

The Muir Foundation is pleased to announce the restructuring of its Board, strengthening the Foundation's governance and providing a strong platform for its continued work in supporting Muir College and its future.

The Board of Directors comprises:

Andrew Binning (Class of 1988)
Brett Botten (Class of 1982)
Nyameko Magongo (Class of 1993)
Riaan Claassen (Class of 1987)
Buchule Sibaca (Class of 2009)
George Yerolemou (Class of 1987)

The Board is further supported by Ex-Officio Members: David Francis, Muir College Headmaster; Douglas Duthie, SGB Chairperson; and Ryan Bhana, President of the Old Muirite Union.

We also acknowledge Mark Bakker, who continues to serve the Foundation as Honorary Board Secretary. Dave Emslie is onboard as our strategic foundation fundraising partner.

This strengthened governance structure reflects the Foundation's commitment to responsible stewardship, collaboration and a clear focus on securing opportunities for current and future generations of the men of Muir.

Leave a legacy

Your connection with Muir College can extend far beyond your school years. Through the Muir Foundation Legacy Fund, Old Muirites and friends of the school can make a lasting contribution to the future of Muir College and the young men who will follow.

Whether through a gift in your Will, an endowed bursary, a named legacy fund, life insurance, investments or another planned gift, your legacy can help preserve the values, opportunities and traditions that make Muir special.

Become a Muir Fellow and help build a stronger tomorrow for generations of Muir men to come. To find out more about becoming a Muir Fellow, contact Mark Bakker at secretary@muir.foundation.

Solar project

The Muir Foundation launched its first project in 2021: a 176kVA photovoltaic installation on the roof of Muir College.

This Solar Project has generated electricity sales of R2m from inception in July 2021 to August 2026 (64 months). The solar electricity has been sold to both Muir College and the local Municipality.

After paying insurances, metering services, capital equipment and maintenance costs, the Project has earned R1.1m, of which R936k has been allocated to Muir College in the form of Bursaries and Upgrading of the School Gymnasium.

For more information on this initiative, contact Riaan Claassen at finance@muir.foundation.

Water project

The Muir Foundation is proud to announce the substantial completion of Phase 1 of the Muir College Water Project, marking a significant milestone towards greater water independence.

Thanks to the generous support of the Grundfos Foundation, three boreholes have been installed, providing approximately 100,000 litres of high-quality water per day, together with a new 600,000-litre storage tank.

This investment will help address ongoing water challenges, improve irrigation of the school's sports fields and reduce reliance on municipal water supply. With Phase 1 providing a solid foundation, future phases will focus on further water conservation and efficiency.

More than an infrastructure project, this is an investment in the sustainability of Muir College and the generations of Muirites to come.

For more information on this initiative, contact Grant Kunneke at projects@muir.foundation.

Sport & hostel

The Muir Foundation is developing an exciting Sports Academy & Hostel Project aimed at creating greater access to sporting opportunities and supporting learners to reach their full potential.

The initiative seeks to raise approximately R2 million per annum to support key areas including coaching development, learner bursaries, sports equipment, nutrition and wellness, and team tours.

The goal is simple: to improve access, performance and opportunity for every learner, while creating an environment where talent, discipline and character can thrive.

For more information, contact Jullian Britz on +27 83 459 1573.