Category: General News

Discover why generations of families continue to choose Roedean, and why the Roedean journey extends far beyond the school gates.

 

Our community chooses Roedean for clear and enduring reasons.

They choose us for academic excellence, for a nurturing environment, and for a school that recognises and develops every girl as an individual. They choose us for the confidence we build, the values we instil, and the futures we help shape.

Over time, that choice has only been affirmed. What began as a decision has grown into a legacy, with generation after generation continuing to return to Roedean because it consistently delivers what matters most: a strong foundation, enduring values, and a deep sense of belonging that extends far beyond school years.

Yet the Roedean story does not end at matric. For many, it is only the beginning.

Long after our girls leave the school gates, they remain connected by shared experiences, lifelong friendships, and the values that have guided generations of Roedeanians. Whether they are leading in boardrooms, serving their communities, pursuing academic excellence, raising families, or making a difference in their chosen fields, they carry a part of Roedean with them wherever they go.

There is a reason families continue to choose Roedean generation after generation. It is not simply because of what happens within our classrooms. It is because of the women our girls become. It is because of a culture rooted in Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy, values that remain as relevant today as they were when the school first opened its doors.

To those who are considering a Roedean education for their daughters, we invite you to discover what makes us the obvious choice for so many families. Join us for our Grade 0 2026–2028 Information Day or contact our Admissions Officer to begin your admissions journey.

And to our alumnae, we would love to hear from you.

Where has your Roedean journey taken you? Where are you now? Share your story with us and reconnect with the community that helped shape it. Follow our social media channels to stay up to date, celebrate the achievements of today’s girls, and relive the Roedean you experienced while discovering how the school continues to evolve, while remaining firmly rooted in the values of Truth, Honour, Freedom, and Courtesy.

A Premier Cultural Anchor Event in Gauteng

 

The Roedean Music Competition has firmly established itself as one of Gauteng’s premier cultural events on the school calendar, continuing to shape and celebrate young musical excellence across the province. Now in its 23rd year, the competition stands as a testament to consistency, prestige, and the enduring success of a platform dedicated to nurturing and showcasing exceptional young talent.

Over more than two decades, the competition has grown significantly in both stature and participation. This year once again reflects the strong appetite students have for the arts, with impressive entries received across all categories and age groups. Notably, many participants return year after year, from Grade 8 through to Matric, highlighting the value, credibility, and developmental impact the competition holds within both the educational and music landscape. This sustained participation speaks to the reputation of the Roedean Music Competition as far more than a school event. It has become a respected platform where young musicians are challenged, refined, and recognised at a high level of excellence.

The competition process itself reflects the calibre expected of participants. Entrants undergo a rigorous vetting and adjudication process from the initial rounds through to the final stages, culminating in the prestigious Gala Event. Reaching the gala stage is an achievement in itself and reflects the dedication, discipline, and artistry required to stand among the country’s finest young musicians. At the Gala Event, finalists compete for first, second, and third place following adjudication by an esteemed panel of judges. Beyond the monetary prizes awarded, the competition recognises the countless hours of preparation, perseverance, and artistic commitment required to perform at this level.

Central to the competition’s longstanding success is Marius Brink, Director of Music at Roedean School (SA), whose contribution to music education and artistic development within the school has been instrumental. Brink continues to play a significant role in positioning music as an integral part of the school’s cultural identity while driving the continued growth and evolution of the Roedean Music Competition into the respected platform it is today.

This year’s competition once again features a broad range of categories, including Piano, Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Vocal disciplines. The diversity of categories ensures inclusivity and accessibility across musical interests, training backgrounds, and performance styles, while reinforcing the competition’s commitment to celebrating the richness and diversity of musical expression among young performers.

Roedean is equally proud to present an exceptional panel of adjudicators for this year’s competition, bringing together some of South Africa’s most respected figures in music performance, education, conducting, and adjudication.

 

Esteemed Judges Panel

 

Malcolm Nay is one of South Africa’s leading solo and chamber pianists, with a distinguished career spanning performances locally and abroad. He has appeared as a soloist with South Africa’s major orchestras and has performed at venues including the Baxter Theatre, the Wits Atrium, and the University of Johannesburg Arts Gencor Gallery. He premiered Pendulum for piano and orchestra by Jeanne Zaidel-Rudolph and directed Mozart concertos from the keyboard with the Chamber Orchestra of South Africa.

Christiaan Herbst is an accomplished trumpeter, conductor, and Director of Music with extensive experience performing alongside some of South Africa’s leading orchestras and ensembles. With a strong background in adjudication and conducting, he brings considerable expertise in brass performance, orchestral music, and music education to this year’s competition.

Carel Henn is one of Gauteng’s most respected cellists, conductors, and adjudicators, with more than 30 years of orchestral and solo performance experience. An award-winning recording artist and seasoned competition judge, he is recognised for his contributions to classical music performance, conducting, and music development both locally and internationally.

Hanli Stapela is an acclaimed lyric soprano, academic, and Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Pretoria. With an internationally celebrated performance career spanning opera, orchestral works, and vocal studies, she continues to shape the next generation of classical vocal talent through her academic leadership and teaching.

Tim Roberts is a distinguished conductor, oboist, and Artistic Director with extensive experience across opera, ballet, orchestral, and choral music. Passionate about music accessibility and education, he has played a significant role in developing young musicians and leading major productions both locally and abroad.

Together, this distinguished panel reflects the prestige and calibre of the Roedean Music Competition, reinforcing its reputation as one of Gauteng’s leading platforms for young musical excellence.

A Pathway of Growth, Purpose, and Lifelong Potential Begins at Roedean

 

Transitioning from Nursery School into Grade 0 is a significant and exciting milestone for both children and parents. It marks the beginning of formal schooling, where curiosity is shaped into learning, independence begins to grow, and confidence starts to take root. At Roedean School (SA), this transition is understood as the foundation of a much bigger journey, one that is intentionally designed to span 13 years of growth, discovery, and preparation for a life of significance.

At Roedean, Grade 0 is not simply the start of school. It is the beginning of a continuous, carefully guided journey where each stage builds on the next, forming young girls into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals. From Grade 0 through to Matric, learners are supported in an environment that prioritises academic excellence, emotional wellbeing, personal development, and a strong sense of identity and purpose. This is where the journey begins, and where it is designed to culminate in young women who are ready to make meaningful contributions to the world.

 

A Gentle Beginning to a Lifelong Journey

Unstoppable Begins Here. From the earliest years, learners are encouraged to explore, question, and express themselves in a safe and nurturing environment. Living a Life of Significance is not just a phrase, but a lived experience in every classroom, every interaction, and every opportunity provided.

A typical day in Grade 0 at Roedean reflects balance, structure, and joyful discovery. Mornings begin with warm welcomes and circle time, where children develop language, social skills, and confidence in expressing themselves. Academic learning is introduced through play-based and experiential methods that build early literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. Creative expression forms a vital part of the day, with art, music, and imaginative play encouraging curiosity and confidence. Physical development is supported through movement, outdoor play, and structured activities that build coordination and teamwork. Throughout the day, emotional wellbeing is carefully supported, ensuring that each child feels secure, valued, and understood in a calm and caring environment.

 

Held with Care, Guided with Intention

Beyond Grade 0, the journey expands into a rich ecosystem of academic, sporting, and cultural excellence. Learners are exposed to a broad curriculum that challenges and inspires, while sport builds resilience, discipline, and teamwork. Cultural opportunities in music, drama, and the arts allow for expression, creativity, and confidence to flourish. Importantly, emotional wellbeing remains central throughout, with strong pastoral care systems ensuring that every learner is supported through each stage of development.

The Roedean journey is designed with intention. It is a continuous 13-year experience where each phase prepares learners for the next, creating a seamless progression from early childhood to young adulthood. Families are not simply choosing a school for Grade 0; they are entering a long-term partnership committed to shaping identity, purpose, and potential.

 

Where Her Future Takes Shape

There is a natural sense of anticipation in this transition. The journey begins here, and it is designed to be truly transformative. Imagine her potential. Then multiply it. At Roedean School, that potential is not only imagined but intentionally nurtured, supported, and realised over time.

This is not just the start of school. It is the beginning of a life shaped with purpose, confidence, and possibility.

How Roedean School’s holistic approach and 23-year-old Music Competition shape confident, creative learners

 

At Roedean School, cultural activities are not regarded as an “extra,” but as an integral part of a holistic education.

From Grade 0 through to Senior School, learners are immersed in a carefully designed programme of cultural engagement that nurtures creativity, confidence, discipline, and emotional intelligence alongside academic excellence. This reflects Roedean’s enduring commitment to holistic education, an approach that recognises each learner as a whole person whose development must be intellectual, artistic, physical, and personal.

At the foundation level, cultural exposure begins through play, movement, storytelling, music, and early performance experiences. As learners progress into the Senior School, these experiences evolve into more structured engagement in music, drama, visual art, and public performance. The intention remains consistent: to develop young women who are not only academically capable but also expressive, confident, and culturally aware. Within a Roedean context, this holistic approach produces learners who are comfortable on stage, thoughtful in expression, resilient under pressure, and able to engage meaningfully with the world around them.

A key highlight of the school’s cultural calendar is the Roedean Music Competition, now in its 23rd year. This esteemed competition is open to Senior School pupils in Grades 8 to 12, primarily from schools across Gauteng, and has attracted 100’s of entries since its inception. It culminates in the adjudication of some of the province’s most accomplished school music talent, followed by a prestigious Gala Evening featuring finalists who have progressed through rigorous rounds of evaluation.

The competition comprises five categories: Piano, Strings, Woodwind, Brass, and Vocal. These categories ensure an inclusive platform for musical expression, allowing learners across disciplines to showcase their talent and artistry.

Over the years, Roedean has been privileged to welcome highly respected and critically acclaimed adjudicators. Their expertise and standing within the music community bring both credibility and depth to the competition. Just as importantly, their involvement exposes learners to professional standards of excellence, offering feedback and insight that meaningfully enrich their artistic growth.

Participants have the opportunity to win prizes of R4 500, R3 000, and R2 000. However, these awards represent far more than monetary value. They symbolise recognition of countless hours of practice, discipline, courage, creativity, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. In this way, the Roedean Music Competition celebrates and affirms young artists who express themselves through the universal language of music.

Ultimately, cultural activities at Roedean play a vital role in shaping confident, well-rounded young women who are prepared not only for academic success, but for life beyond the classroom. Through sustained engagement in the arts and through flagship events such as the Roedean Music Competition, learners are given the space to discover their voices, refine their talents, and step into their potential with confidence and purpose.

The Roedean Music Competition remains a cornerstone of the school’s cultural calendar as it brings together the full breadth of Roedean’s artistic vision within a single platform of excellence. It offers learners a structured and high-level opportunity to perform under pressure, be assessed by expert adjudicators, and engage with the standards expected in professional artistic environments. It further strengthens a culture of excellence by providing a meaningful goal for learners to work towards and a prestigious stage on which achievement is recognised. Most importantly, it affirms Roedean’s commitment to developing not only academically strong learners, but expressive, courageous, and culturally grounded young women who understand the enduring value of discipline, creativity, and performance in shaping who they become.

At Roedean (SA), we are committed to cultivating not only academic excellence but also the creative and expressive potential of every pupil. Our Dramatic Arts programme provides a dynamic space in which students are encouraged to explore, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence. Central to this philosophy is the opportunity to engage with professionals working at the highest level of the industry, ensuring that learning remains both aspirational and grounded in real-world experience.

For our upcoming production, Top Women, which will be staged at the school from 21–23 May, we are privileged to welcome respected industry professional Hlumelo Moloi as co-director. Hlumelo’s involvement provides our students with additional insight, a fresh perspective on the material, and exposure to professional theatre practices, complementing the leadership and vision of Megan Martell, who has guided the bulk of the work on this production.

A Johannesburg-based director and performer, Hlumelo Moloi holds a BA Honours degree in Dramatic Arts from Wits University and is represented by MLA, one of South Africa’s leading talent agencies. Her diverse professional experience includes international commercial work, a notable Nando’s advertisement, and a lead role in the short film Weird Kisses, directed by Billy Badi. As co-founder of the theatre company TOP Comedy and a 2023 Naledi Theatre Award nominee for Seeing Other People, she brings both distinction and depth of insight to the rehearsal process.

In her co-directing role, Hlumelo has contributed to the casting process and guides an intensive rehearsal schedule, with sessions held several times a week after school, on selected Saturdays, and during the holidays. Her mentorship enriches the students’ understanding of the material, supports the development of authentic individual voices, and illustrates the level of discipline and commitment required in professional theatre.

At Roedean (SA), Dramatic Arts is valued as highly as any academic discipline. In the same spirit with which we celebrate excellence in mathematics, the sciences, sport, and music, we nurture and honour the artistic talents of our students. Each pupil’s strengths are recognised, and for many, the stage becomes a place of particular confidence and self-expression.

This production is far more than a performance. It is a space for growth, reflection, and self-discovery. Through Megan Martell’s leadership, Hlumelo’s professional guidance, and the students’ dedication and creativity, our pupils are learning to engage deeply with their work, with one another, and with their own potential. Every learner is afforded the opportunity to excel, and artistic achievement is celebrated as fully as any academic or sporting success.

The Roedean School (SA) Drama Department promises yet another riveting and explosive production with Top Women, produced by Ms Megan Martel, Dramatic Arts Teacher and Senior School English Teacher.

Ms Martel offers a rare and compelling combination of professional performance experience and academic expertise. She is familiar to audiences from the Wild at Heart, as well as a range of television commercials. Her firsthand experience in the industry enriches her teaching by bringing the classroom to life and making learning both engaging and tangible. This unique blend of practice and pedagogy informs Top Women, shaping it into a production that is both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant.

The title of this production reflects its inspiration from Top Girls by Caryl Churchill, where a recruitment agency serves as the central meeting point for a group of women reflecting on their lives. In Top Women, this idea is expanded to celebrate the promotion of the central character, Marlene, to CEO of the Top Women Recruitment Agency. However, the play moves beyond celebration. It creates space for powerful women to share their stories and reflect on the sacrifices, struggles, and complexities behind their achievements through a series of monologues.

As Ms Martel explains:
“Top Women is not simply a celebration of success, but an exploration of what that success demands. It reveals the choices, compromises, and silences that often shape women’s journeys to positions of power.”

At its core, the play explores what it truly means to be a woman in a position of power, particularly within spaces that were not originally designed for women to occupy. It interrogates the emotional, personal, and societal costs of ambition, inviting audiences to reflect on what it means to be seen and heard in today’s world, while acknowledging the historical forces that continue to shape these experiences.

Ms Martel has long been inspired by the structure and themes of Top Girls, particularly its exploration of how female empowerment and ambition are often intertwined with sacrifice within a historically patriarchal society. The idea of creating a meeting point for women from different moments in time, each bringing her own story, perspective, and voice, was especially compelling. In Top Women, she expands on this by bringing together women who have inspired not only herself, but millions across the globe. The production recontextualises these ideas for a contemporary South African audience, highlighting figures who symbolise resistance, resilience, and transformation across Africa and beyond.

It was important that both students and parents could connect with the stories on stage. The play aims to create a sense of intergenerational dialogue, emphasising that many of the challenges women face are universal and remain deeply relevant today. Through her experiences in educational and professional spaces, Ms Martel has engaged with individuals from diverse backgrounds, shaping a perspective that is both empathetic and expansive. This production honours those experiences and offers audiences the opportunity to see the world through multiple perspectives.

When selecting a piece for the Roedean (SA) students, Ms Martel was initially drawn to Top Girls, but became increasingly interested in developing something that speaks more directly to our present context. Roedean’s values centre on nurturing future leaders, and this production serves as both a reflection and a source of inspiration for what leadership looks like for women today. By engaging with the past and interrogating the present, the play invites audiences to imagine new possibilities for the future.

Through extensive research, and the inclusion of carefully selected songs that echo the struggles and triumphs of the characters, Top Women continues to amplify the voices of women who have challenged systems and reshaped narratives throughout history. It serves as a reminder that change is often gradual, and that many stories still need to be told. Many voices still deserve to be heard.

True achievement at Roedean transcends medals, trophies, or grades, and it is reflected in character, resilience, and leadership. Each child is unique, with distinctive talents across academics, culture, and sport. Our role is to cultivate environments that nurture these strengths, empowering students to thrive holistically, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Sport plays a pivotal role in this holistic development. Rooted in a sport science-driven approach, Roedean’s philosophy recognises that physical activity is not just about performance; it is a tool for personal growth, cognitive development, and emotional resilience. By prioritising dedication, discipline, teamwork, and skill development, we challenge students to reach their personal best while fostering collaboration, self-awareness, and meaningful contribution. Excellence is defined as much by effort, mindset, and perseverance as by measurable results.

The outcomes speak for themselves. Our students consistently excel in interschool competitions, provincial representation, and even national and international arenas. Yet beyond accolades, they are learning life skills: navigating challenges, embracing responsibility, and inspiring others. These lessons extend far beyond the sporting field, shaping confident, capable, and compassionate young women.

Anchor events like the Autumn Sports Festival and the Roedean School Water Polo Prestige Cup exemplify this philosophy in action. The Autumn Sports Festival offers a high-performance environment where young female athletes gain visibility, access, and experience, normalising excellence and challenging entrenched stereotypes. The Prestige Cup integrates social impact into competition. Every school that participates in the Prestige Cup is mandated to partner with an under-resourced school to teach swimming and water safety. In doing so, Roedean demonstrates that sport can drive both personal excellence and societal good.

By integrating sport, leadership, and community engagement, we are redefining success for young women. High achievement and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive; they are complementary. The environment we create allows students to realise their potential not only as athletes, but as leaders, role models, and agents of positive change.

Excellence is not a singular destination; it is a continuous journey of learning, growth, and striving to be better. Through a sport science-informed, holistic approach, Roedean equips students with the skills, resilience, and mindset to succeed in any arena, on the field, in the classroom, and in society at large.

Roedean Autumn Sports Festival Sets the Standard from Day One

The fields at Roedean School (SA) come alive as day one of the Roedean Autumn Sports Festival begins, offering more than just the start of a three-day sporting event; it also signals the evolving role of school sport as a driver of growth, opportunity, and impact.

While the opening day delivers the expected high-energy matchups and competitive intensity, it also underscores a deeper truth: school festivals like this are critical ecosystems for athlete development. The event is not simply about results; it is about setting standards, establishing culture, and creating an environment where young athletes learn how to compete, adapt, and perform under pressure.

Importantly, the festival represents a powerful platform in the advancement of women’s sport. Visibility and access remain two of the most important levers in driving change, and events of this nature directly contribute to both. By placing young female athletes in a competitive, high-performance environment, the festival helps normalise excellence in girls’ sport, challenges outdated perceptions, and builds a pipeline of confident, capable sportswomen.

The objective, therefore, extends far beyond the scoreboard. It lies in creating meaningful opportunities, opportunities to compete, to be seen, and to grow. It is in these environments that athletes begin to understand their potential, not only within sport but as leaders, teammates, and role models.

Bringing together top schools from across the region, the Roedean Autumn Sports Festival also highlights the importance of connection in sport. Competition and camaraderie coexist, reinforcing the idea that high performance and sportsmanship are not mutually exclusive, but rather mutually reinforcing. These shared experiences shape athletes in ways that structured training alone cannot.

Head of Sports Marcel Lamont captures this perspective:

“Day one is always an important foundation for the festival. It’s where teams settle in and set their intentions. Over the next few days, we’re excited to see competition intensify and to witness the connections and sportsmanship that make this event unique. It’s about growth, enjoyment, and allowing every athlete the opportunity to shine.”

As the festival progresses, the rising intensity of competition and the momentum built across the three days will continue to highlight not just standout performances, but the depth of talent within school sport. At the same time, the off-field environment, from supporter engagement to shared spaces, reinforces the role of sport as a unifying force within communities.

Ultimately, the Roedean Autumn Sports Festival serves as a reminder that school sport, when structured with intent, has the power to do far more than entertain. It can shape narratives, shift perceptions, and contribute meaningfully to the future of women’s sport; one match, one moment, and one athlete at a time.

We would like to thank Mr. Dale Quaker for his outstanding service as Board Chairman of Roedean School (SA) over the past three years.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Quaker led with integrity, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the school’s values and future. His calm and steady leadership guided the Board with clarity and confidence, always placing the best interests of the Roedean community at the forefront of every decision.

We also thank Mr Sipho Maseko who has served the Board for the last six years. His extensive experience has been invaluable, as has his contribution as a benefactor of the school.

On behalf of the entire Roedean community, we extend our heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes for all that lies ahead.

Johannesburg – A Blooming Affair, Roedean School’s much-loved garden and craft market day, will return on 4 October 2025 for its 14^th edition. Since its start in 2010, the event has become a highlight of Johannesburg’s spring calendar, bringing together garden lovers, craft enthusiasts, foodies and families.

The event is hosted on the historic grounds of Roedean School (SA) in Parktown and it offers a curated selection of local artisans, bespoke goods, gourmet food and striking floral displays. Visitors can expect a relaxed day out with live music, a dedicated kids’ area and a strong focus on community and purpose.

A Blooming Affair forms part of the Gardens of the Golden City initiative, which invites the public to explore some of Johannesburg’s most beautiful private gardens while raising funds for charitable causes. Roedean’s own gardens, which are home to indigenous and exotic plant life, span more than 120 years of history and provide a unique backdrop for the event.

This year’s programme includes a guided garden tour at 10am, led by Heather Mansour of Styleview Gardens, Roedean’s current landscaper.

Beneficiary spotlight: the Roedean Academy

One of the beneficiaries of this year’s event is the Roedean Academy, a donor-funded initiative launched in 2009 to support academically talented girls from under-resourced schools in Johannesburg, including Barnato Park High School and Newgate College, to succeed and access opportunities beyond the classroom.

Led by Roedean School (SA) and supported by South African Old Roedeanian Association (SAORA), the Academy offers extra tuition in Mathematics, Physical Science, English and Information Technology, as well as access to high-quality educational resources. In 2024, the Academy’s matric class achieved an 83.3% bachelor pass rate, with the top learner earning four distinctions. Many graduates have gone on to earn full university bursaries and pursue successful careers – most notably in Commerce, Culinary Arts, Medical Sciences and Actuarial Science – using the programme as a springboard to brighter futures.

The Roedean Academy is proud to be a beneficiary of A Blooming Affair and grateful to the South African Old Roedeanian Association (SAORA) for its continued support since inception.

Event details

• Date: Saturday, 4 October 2025
• Time: 9am – 4pm
• Venue: Roedean School, Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg
• Tickets: Available on Quicket.co.za
• Payments: Cashless event – cards only
• Accessibility: Most areas wheelchair accessible
• Pets: Not permitted
• Entertainment: Live music throughout the day
• Kids’ area: Arts & crafts (additional cost)
• Garden tour: 10am, meeting point at the Circle
• Parking: Street parking on Princess of Wales Terrace (e-hailing drop-off at the gate; security provided)

For more information, visit abloomingaffair.co.za or follow on social media:
Instagram: @abloomingaffairgardenday
Facebook: A Blooming Affair Garden Day 

Email: info@abloomingaffair.co.za