John Bester (Pembroke, 1963) – I felt it was an honour to give back to Kearsney
On Friday 17th May, after Founders Assembly, Mr John Bester unveiled the John Bester Family Centenary Classroom and the Professor David Hall Centenary Classroom plaque. This ceremony was to recognize their generosity and for leaving a legacy for future generations of Kearsney enjoy.
The Story Behind John Bester.
My late father, Brigadier Jack Bester, who served during the 2nd World War with the South African forces in North Africa and subsequently Italy and earned a Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and bar (which was presented to him by the King of England in 1947 while they were on the Royal Tour of South Africa) contacted Stanley Osler, (an ex-Springbok rugby player who had served with him in the 2nd World War), and asked Stanley, who was the Headmaster of Kearsney, where he should send this naughty son of his to school. Stanley Osler said to send me to Kearsney and he would sort out all the naughtiness and teach me discipline. My time at Kearsney taught me to fend for myself, discipline, learn to study and participate in team and individual sport. I was a prefect and head of Junior House (now Haley House) and I Matriculated in 1963.
I was involved in sport – playing rugby for the 1st 15 Team, competing in athletics and swimming where I was selected to represent Natal at the SA National Swimming Championships.
After finishing at Kearsney I completed my Military Service and then went to Wits University as a part time student where I completed my degree in accounting and qualified as a CA (SA). I also attended UCT and completed a BCom (Hons) degree. I further achieved a CMS (Oxon) qualification at Oxford University many years later. These achievements were the result of the outstanding education received at Kearsney and all the learning that came from the participation in all that the College offered.
My father funded my first year of University. While I was doing my articles and studying as a part-time student at Wits I earned the princely sum of R60 per month. In my second year my father informed me that he would not be able to fund my university fees as he had to pay for my brothers Gavin and Michael`s Kearsney fees. He recommended that I speak to the father of a Kearsney boy, who I had helped to sort out some issues to ensure that he remained at Kearsney. He lent me R300 to cover my University fees and books and said I needed to pay him back at the rate of R10 per month and to not miss a monthly payment. This taught me the value of money and the discipline relating to managing ones financial affairs.
My brother Gavin started at Kearsney in 1962 and was followed by my younger brother Michael. Gavin’s three sons attended Kearsney as well and as a result of this the Bester family became extremely close to Kearsney.
I have sat on the Board of Governors as well as serving on the Kearsney Trust as a Trustee for the full term on each of these committees. I have been donating to the Kearsney Bursary Trust for years as I believe one should give back to Kearsney for everything that I have earned and learned from that great school. As a result of my connection to Kearsney, the opportunity arose to sponsor a classroom, and I felt it was an honour to be able to give back to Kearsney.
I believe current and future students need to be given the opportunity in the best available facilities to set the pace and enhance their careers.
CARPE DIEM!
