King David Victory Park’s future uncertain

The future of King David Victory Park (KDVP) hangs in the balance and it may possibly be closing its doors at the end of the year. The South African Board of Jewish Education (SABJE) is working on a bold restructuring plan aimed at potentially unifying campuses and securing the future of Jewish education in Johannesburg.

The SABJE this week announced the commencement of a formal staff consultation process regarding the potential closure of the KDVP campus at the end of 2025.

The consultation process, which is in accordance with the Labour Relations Act, could result in the closure of the beloved 60-year-old school, a move that could then pave the way forward for a unified, reimagined King David High School, including the possible relocation of King David Ariel to the Linksfield campus.

The possibility of the gates of KDVP, through which generations of Jewish children have walked, laughed, learned, and grown, closing is nothing short of monumental. It has been described as an historic moment, marked by deep sadness, introspection, and hope for renewal.

“It’s a very hard, sad moment,” said Rabbi Ricky Seeff, the general director of the SABJE. “Considering the possible closure of a tremendous communal asset, a school that has lived an incredible life and served an incredible community, is deeply emotional. There are extraordinary people on this campus. It’s a possible generational move, which makes it especially difficult.”

And yet, he said, this proposal isn’t about retreat, it’s about thinking of the future. “We are of the view that the logic and the numbers support the proposal. The hope is, if a decision is taken to close, that it will lead to something remarkable for the future.”

The biggest challenge, but something the SABJE is committed to should the proposed restructure go ahead, would be to keep the unique flavour and essence of Victory Park alive within the new high school and broader King David family, he said.

Since opening its doors in 1965, KDVP has stood as more than just an academic institution. It has been a spiritual and cultural centre for families across Johannesburg, a home for generations who found in it a sense of identity, community, and deep Jewish connection.

For many, this has been long in coming. The warning signs were visible for years: declining enrolment; demographic shifts; and dwindling early childhood pipelines have left the campus increasingly vulnerable.

The stark reality lies in the numbers. In 2016, KDVP had 770 students enrolled, excluding King David Ariel. By 2025, the number dropped to 471. Projections for 2026 anticipate just 420 students across the pre-primary, primary, and high school – a 45% decline in less than a decade.

At the root of this decline is a demographic shift within Johannesburg’s Jewish community. Many families have moved northwards toward Sandton and eastwards into the Glenhazel-Linksfield corridor. These areas continue to feed strong pipelines into King David Sandton and King David Linksfield. In stark contrast, Victory Park Pre-Primary School currently serves just 30 students, a pipeline which may be too thin to sustain the long-term viability of the campus.

“The campus is essentially deteriorating from the bottom,” said Seeff. “While we’ve tried to keep Victory Park going for as long as possible, even running at a significant annual financial deficit over the past three years, we believe the model is no longer sustainable. We are at a point where, should we continue, we are going to compromise the holistic offering we provide our students – socially, academically, and from a sporting perspective.”

The SABJE’s proposed plan to restructure King David Schools – from 10 schools across five campuses into seven schools across four – has not come lightly or quickly. Years of research, analysis of demographic trends, consultations, and due diligence have brought leadership to this proposal.

“While it comes with a deep sense of potential loss, it is also a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine Jewish education from a position of strength,” Seeff said. “We are not proposing restructuring to survive. We are proposing unification in order to thrive.”

At the heart of the proposed restructuring is the creation of a single, consolidated King David High School. The proposed unified campus would offer world-class facilities, a robust Jewish ethos, and a deeper, more dynamic student experience – academically, socially, and spiritually, he said.

“This is not about preserving the ‘Victory Park way’, the ‘Sandton way’, or the ‘Linksfield way’,” said Seeff. “This is about coming together to build something exceptional. While the possibility of change is hard, what may lie ahead in the event of closure could be extraordinary.”

SABJE board member Amanda Porter said, “We know that possible change comes with emotion, and we honour those feelings with genuine respect.

“But we are living through a time of extraordinary transformation. Around the world, technology is reshaping how we learn, connect, and grow. Education is being reimagined, community life is evolving, and the old boundaries – of geography, of identity, of access – are being redrawn. In that spirit, we aren’t just proposing consolidating, we are potentially boldly re-envisioning.

“It is a proposal of courage, of clarity, and of commitment to ensuring that our children inherit a Jewish future that is not just preserved, but propelled.”

“We are asking for trust – in our leadership, our values, and in our shared commitment to Jewish education. If implemented, this will be done with and for the community, not to it,” stressed Seeff.

The warmth and uniqueness of the KDVP campus cannot be overstated. For decades, its spirit has been its strength – a deeply nurturing culture, a strong sense of belonging, and fierce loyalty from parents and students alike.

This is illustrated by the fact that Victory Park families, on average, travel further to reach their school than any other King David campus. “They choose Victory Park,” said Seeff. “That loyalty is profound, and the sense of potential loss is real.”

But the SABJE has committed to ensuring that should the move go ahead, the heart of Victory Park – its culture, values, and its magic – will live on in the new entity. Legacy traditions, staff retention, and cultural continuity will be prioritised should the decision be implemented. Importantly, all efforts will be made to ensure that no student feels displaced, and that transitions would be as smooth and emotionally supported as possible.

There is particular sensitivity around the current Grade 11 group, which will become the matric class of 2026.

Rabbi Seeff was with this group in Grade 1 during his tenure as principal of Victory Park Primary, and his connection to them runs deep.

“These are my kids,” he said, visibly moved. “I’ve watched them grow from six-year-olds to teenagers. In the event of closure, they will not be asked to leave something behind, they will be being ask to carry it forward. They’ll help shape the future.”

This proposed model, the SABJE says, will unlock scale, resources, subject diversity, sporting competitiveness, and robust Jewish identity, all while preserving the spirit that has made King David an iconic brand in South African Jewish life.

“This is not about what may be closing, it’s about what we could be opening – a new chapter, new beginning, and a new opportunity,” he said.

While the pain is undeniable in the event of closure, so too is the resolve.

“This is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Seeff said. “But it’s also the most important. Should we decide to close, we will then lay the foundation for something extraordinary, not just for today’s students, but for the generations still to come.”

Board Chairperson Alan Joffe said, “We see this proposal as the most effective path forward to uphold the sustainability and continued excellence of the King David schools. Arriving at this proposal has been incredibly difficult, shaped by heartfelt reflection and an unwavering commitment to our community. Yet we believe, with conviction, that this proposal should ultimately serve the greater good, ensuring that future generations continue to thrive within an environment rooted in Jewish values and educational distinction.”

Echoing this sentiment, Board member and KDVP alumnus, Lesley-Anne Gatter, said that though the potential closure of the school was “deeply felt”, commitment to the children’s future remained strong.

“I’ve seen how this beautiful school has shaped minds, resilience, and belonging, qualities that will serve our students well, always. This is also a unique opportunity to reimagine how our broader school system can best prepare every child for a changing world.”