In the Director’s Chair: Hlumelo Moloi Co-Directs Top Women with Megan Martel at Helm

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, he 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.

Top Women: Reimagining Power, Voice, and 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.

Excellence Beyond the Scoreboard

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.

Shaping the Future of Women’s Sport

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.

Honouring The Outgoing Chairman and Deputy Chairman

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.

A Blooming Affair 2025: Johannesburg’s favourite gardenand craft market comes to life in October

Johannesburg – A Blooming Affair, Roedean School’s much-loved garden and craft market day, will return on 4 October 2025 for its 14th 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

Grade 3 Hockey Festival

Over 600 eight-year-olds to take part in Johannesburg’s biggest Grade 3 hockey festival at Roedean School (SA)

JOHANNESBURG, 23 July 2025 – In what promises to be the largest Grade 3 hockey festival in Johannesburg’s history, 600 eight-year-old girls from over 10 schools will gather at Roedean School on 24 July to take part in the Old Mutual Roedean School Grade 3 Hockey Festival.

The festival, sponsored by Old Mutual South Africa, featuring teams from Roedean School, St Mary’s School Waverley, St Stithians, St Teresa’s School, Kingsmead College, Auckland Park Preparatory School, Brescia House School, Assumption Convent School, Holy Rosary School and St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls, will culminate in evening matches played under floodlights – a first-time experience for most participants.

“Imagine 600 eight-year-olds playing hockey under the lights,” says Ms Marcel Lamont, Head of Sport at Roedean School.

“For many of these children, it will be their first taste of playing in a stadium atmosphere, and we expect it to be absolutely magical.”

The scale of this year’s event is unmatched in junior school sport. With each school entering six to eight teams of eight players, the festival will bring together more Grade 3 hockey players than any previous festival in the region – so many, in fact, that matches will be hosted across two venues: Roedean School and St John’s College.

But beyond the numbers, Roedean School believes that the real story is about introducing South Africa’s youngest hockey players to the sport’s distinct culture of respect and teamwork.

“Hockey teaches children skills you simply can’t impart in a classroom,” explains Lamont. “When an eight-year-old learns to assist a teammate who’s been tackled, or congratulates an opponent after a good game, she’s developing character that will serve her for life.”

The festival format deliberately emphasises participation over competition, with no league tables or knockout stages. Instead, each team plays multiple matches throughout the day, ensuring maximum game time for all the participants. 

“We want these children to fall in love with hockey, not be intimidated by it,” says Lamont. “The focus is on fun, friendship and learning the game. The competitive edge can come later.”

The festival also addresses growing concerns about children’s physical activity levels.

Research has suggested that children who participate in team sports develop stronger social skills, higher self-esteem and better communication abilities than their non-sporting peers.

“In an age where screen time dominates, getting 600 kids running around with hockey sticks is exactly what we need,” notes Lamont. “The physical benefits are obvious, but social development is equally important.”

The festival is part of a broader movement across South African schools to make sport more accessible and inclusive for younger age groups. By starting competitive play at Grade 3 level, schools hope to develop deeper sporting cultures and identify talent earlier.

The Old Mutual Roedean School Grade 3 Hockey Festival runs from 3pm to 8pm on 24 July 2025 at Roedean School, with the floodlit evening session starting at 5pm.

Roedean Academy turns 16: changing student outcomes

The Roedean Academy, a donor-funded educational initiative by Roedean School (SA), marks 16 years of empowering academically promising girls from under-resourced schools in Johannesburg.

Launched in 2009, the academy set out to create a sustainable support system that could offer more than just extra lessons but change outcomes. Since then, the programme has grown steadily, with clear and measurable impact.

What began as a partnership with neighbouring Barnato Park High School in Berea has expanded to include Newgate College in Hillbrow. Today, 52 learners from Grades 10 to matric receive additional tuition in Mathematics, English, Physical Sciences and Information Technology.

The academy’s strength lies in its structure. Small classes, experienced educators – including university lecturers – and a clear focus allow it to deliver quality teaching where it’s needed most. Each grade attends lessons three times a week. Every session begins with a hot meal. Learners receive textbooks, stationery, scientific calculators and, in matric, iPads with data. They are also supported with transport allowances, grocery vouchers, counselling and eye care.

The Learn-to-Swim programme, teaches academy students basic water safety and drowning prevention. The Sacred Circle provides counselling support and Saturday seminars help students cope with the demands of school and home life. A leadership camp in the Magaliesberg gives Grade 11 students the chance to test themselves in new ways. And for those approaching the end of school, the Academy’s Next Step programme offers practical support to matric girls in finding tertiary opportunities – from applications for further studies and bursary guidance to career counselling and internship referrals.

And it has paid off.

The Academy’s class of 2024 achieved an 83% bachelor’s pass rate – far above the national average for government schools (48%). The top students earned multiple distinctions, with one outstanding achiever getting four. In 2023, the students achieved a 100% pass rate.

“These results show what’s possible when academic talent is matched with real support,” notes Roedean Academy administrator Caroline Green.

Graduates of the programme have chosen varied paths. Akani Khumalo, who matriculated in 2017, is now a medical doctor. Nonhlanhla Mbele, who matriculated in 2019 works as a teacher’s assistant at Roedean’s junior school (St Margaret’s). Kalenga Mwamba, who matriculated in 2018 and graduated top of her class in audiology at the University of the Witwatersrand, is doing a pre-medical degree in the United States.

“Not every student chooses university,” says Bourquin. “Some pursue technical or vocational careers. What matters is that they’re prepared – and progressing.”

Roedean School (SA) continues to play a part in alleviating period poverty

Roedean School (SA) continues to play a part in alleviating period poverty

  • Roedean and Blossom Care Solutions celebrates 4 years in partnership working to raise menstrual supplies for girls in underprivileged communities.
  • Roedean pledges to at least double the number of sanitary pads donated in previous year.

We reignite our call for the Roedean Community to come together in support of our annual Period Poverty alleviation initiatives.

Period poverty describes the struggle that many low-income women and girls face while trying to afford menstrual supplies. The lack of access to safe and hygienic products during a monthly cycle, inaccessibility to basic sanitation services or facilities as well as menstrual hygiene education is a serious issue that affects up to 30% of young girls of school going age in South Africa. The result is a monthly pattern of missing out on education and that can have devastating long-term implications which include dropping out of school. This, coupled with the social taboos that still exist around menstruation, creates economic vulnerability for these girls.

You can play your part in breaking the cycle of period poverty from 27 June to 1 August for as little as R250 to provide sanitary towels fora year and enable a girl the opportunity to attend school uninterrupted by their monthly cycle for an entire year. They can then be free to attend school and aim for a brighter future as any young girl should be able to.

Donate now: https://blossomcare.co.za/donate/ Please add “Roedean” as a reference in the notes section. Alternatively, please use the Karri App to donate (open to Junior School parents only).

The donation will be allocated to the Roedean School (SA) corporate social responsibility partner, Phedišang Community Development Project in Limpopo. Roedean has been in partnership with the Phedišang Community for the last 4 years.

Between 8 and 15 August, our Ante-Matric students will further take the lead in a women’s health initiative within the Phedišang Community as the next step to breaking the cycle centred around the girl-child. We are proud to announce that in collaboration with Blossom Care Solutions, in 2024 a total of R35 875.00 in donations afforded the Phedišang Community 1 352 sanitary pads the equivalent of 1 years’ menstrual supplies for 116 girls. This year, we are appealing to every member of our community to help us to double last year’s donation and amplify the impact Roedean makes in alleviating period poverty.

‘Empowering access to education as girls transition to womanhood, by removing the potential for feeling ashamed and restoring dignity, uplifts so many in our society. Roedean is grateful for our relationship with Blossom Care Solution which enhances our ability to have a significant impact on lives beyond our gates.’ (Executive Director – Mrs Lindi Dlamini)

About Blossom Care Solutions

Blossom Care Solutions is a mission-centric social enterprise, focused on the manufacture, marketing, sales and distribution of sanitary pads in township and rural markets across South Africa. We exist to eliminate period poverty and improve development outcomes for girls in grades 5-12, in areas where we are located; create jobs that are sustainable, via a deliberate women centred approach; and to establish small Black-owned, women-led businesses via our social franchise model.

About Phedišang Community Development Project

The project is a registered non-governmental organization (NGO) located in the Maruleng District of Limpopo and focuses on providing essential services to Development Project serves as a haven, offering homework supervision as well as assistance with social welfare documentation and healthcare, ensuring the holistic well-being of the children.

Phuti Mogale to lead Roedean Senior School as new Head of Senior School

Mrs Phuti Mogale has been appointed as the new Head of Senior School at Roedean, starting 1 July 2025. This appointment brings a leader with proven success in girls’ education to one of South Africa’s most prestigious schools.

“Mrs Mogale has a stellar track record in girls’ education and embodies the leadership spirit that will guide our school into its next chapter. Her legal background combined with her hands-on experience in education gives her a unique perspective that will benefit our students,” says Roedean School Executive Director Lindi Dlamini.

Mrs Mogale currently serves as Deputy Headmistress and Head of Boarding at St Mary’s School, Waverley. She holds an LLB degree from the University of the Witwatersrand and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from the University of South Africa (Unisa), specialising in senior and further education training phases. She also holds a Certificate in Practical Legal Training from Unisa.

Mrs Mogale’s path to educational leadership began at Waverley Girls’ High School, where she was a student leader. After studying law, she chose to pursue the field of education starting at Rembrandt Park Primary and quickly rose to leadership positions at Bryanston High School, Pretoria High School for Girls and St Mary’s School Waverley.

“What stands out about Mrs Mogale is her deep understanding of girls’ education from multiple angles – as a former student, a legal professional and now as an educational leader. She’s also passionate about educating young women,” notes Dlamini.

Her leadership programmes have made an impact both at the schools where she has worked and through her collaboration with other institutions. These programmes focus on developing student confidence and practical leadership skills that serve young women beyond the classroom.

Roedean School is a prominent independent girls’ boarding and day school in Johannesburg. Founded in 1903, the school seeks to prepare its approximately 750 students to lead a life of significance, buoyed by its values, heritage and academic excellence. The school plots a complete journey for each student, starting in Grade 0 and leading up to matric, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and holistic development.