JOHANNESBURG — September 2026 — The South African Old Roedeanian Association (SAORA) invites the community to join the 15th annual A Blooming Affair Garden & Craft Market Day at Roedean School on Saturday 3 October 2026 — a distinctive annual event whose purpose is to raise meaningful, sustainable funds for educational initiatives, while bringing people together to enjoy Roedean’s gardens, heritage and community.
For 15 years, A Blooming Affair has transformed the school grounds into a vibrant spring destination, bringing together local artisans, food, music, gardens and a community atmosphere — all in support of educational causes.
This year, we’re placing a particular focus on the Roedean Academy and the difference it makes. Running since 2010, the Academy provides academically promising girls from under-resourced backgrounds with access to a Roedean education together with additional academic, life-skills and holistic support.
The programme currently supports 60 girls and is funded entirely through donations. Roedean teaching staff provide their educational expertise pro bono, while the Academy supports girls with resources and practical assistance including transport, meals, technology and ongoing support designed to help them reach their full potential.
The impact can be life-changing. Academy alumnae have gone on to pursue tertiary education and careers across a wide range of fields, creating opportunities that may otherwise have been beyond their reach.
The Academy requires approximately R1.3 million a year to support its 60 girls. This year, SAORA is aiming to raise R250,000 through A Blooming Affair, which would enable 12 girls to benefit from the Academy over the next 12 months.
For SAORA, this is about paying forward the opportunities that Old Roedeanians themselves were fortunate to receive.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to receive an excellent education, and we believe there is a responsibility to pay that forward,” says Pamela Hayward, President of SAORA. “A Blooming Affair gives our community a wonderful way to come together, enjoy a special day, and make a meaningful contribution to the future of young women.”
Enjoy good times for the greater good. Craft market for a cause.
Visitors can support the campaign by buying a ticket to A Blooming Affair or making an additional donation. Every contribution helps sustain an initiative that has been changing lives for 16 years.
A Blooming Affair Garden & Craft Market Day
Saturday 3 October 2026
9am–4pm
Roedean School, Johannesburg
Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/386507-a-blooming-affair-garden-and-craft-market-day-2026/?ref=link-campaign&lc=Press
Donations: https://roedean.devman.co.za/DevMan/abloomingaffair/academygiving/
About A Blooming Affair
A Blooming Affair is SAORA’s annual Garden & Craft Market Day, established in 2010 and held at Roedean School. The event brings the wider community onto the school grounds for a day of gardens, food, music, shopping and connection, while raising funds for educational initiatives.
About the Roedean Academy
The Roedean Academy is a donor-funded programme supporting academically promising girls from under-resourced backgrounds through their Roedean education and beyond. The programme provides academic and holistic support designed to equip girls for tertiary study, employment and fulfilling futures. To learn more, visit: https://roedeanschool.co.za/academy/
