News
Roedean apology brings antisemitic school saga to a close
Roedean School’s formal apology on Thursday afternoon, 12 February, came as a relief to King David High School, bringing to an end this ugly saga.
Mediation by Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa (ISASA) was pivotal in resolving the dispute. The outcome sends a clear message that antisemitism and discrimination of any kind won’t be tolerated within South African independent schools, according to those involved.
The controversy erupted after Roedean refused to play a scheduled sports fixture against King David because it was a Jewish school.
The general manager of the South African Board of Jewish Education (SABJE), Rabbi Ricky Seeff, said, “We feel relieved. We had no interest in having long, protracted public spats with other independent schools. We want to resume normal relations. It was important to stand up to antisemitism. Now we just want to get our community and kids back to where they are meant to be – playing sport.
“It has been a learning experience for all schools,” Seeff said. “We’re proud of the way society rallied behind this idea, and we felt supported by the broader South African community, and our community locally and internationally.
“We’re extremely grateful for the leadership of Lorraine Srage and the SABJE and SAJBD [South African Jewish Board of Deputies], and we appreciate the hard work that Roedean put in to reach this result,” said Seeff. “I believe Roedean took the time to conduct an investigation after the accusations were made, and that’s why we have ended up where we are now.
“We’re looking forward to resuming normal relations, playing sport, using sport to unite and bring kids together, and teaching children how to grapple with complexity.”
SAJBD National Director Wendy Kahn said, “This is an important outcome not only for South African Jewry but for all South Africans who are committed to the values of our Constitution.
“It sends a message that discrimination in any form, be it religious, racial, or otherwise should never be accepted. Though much of the focus over the past week has been on this conflict, we also recognise the many schools, Roedean parents and alumni, and South Africans who have reached out in support of our community.”
In its written apology, Roedean acknowledged that its actions “were deeply hurtful to the Jewish community”, and offered a sincere apology.
The school conceded that its earlier public explanation had been incorrect, stating that “while there were communication challenges which compounded this incident, these were not the cause of the cancellation of the match as Roedean originally understood and communicated, as has become clear from our ongoing independent investigations”.
Roedean said it “unequivocally rejects antisemitism and all forms of discrimination or prejudice”, stressing that such attitudes have no place in its values or ethos. It committed to further reflection, education, and constructive engagement with King David.
Both schools are committed to working together in a mutually beneficial way, as they have done for decades, and ensuring that their children continue to engage with each other on the sports field and in all contexts with dignity and respect.
Roedean said that it looked forward to rescheduling the match, emphasising that sport “should unite rather than divide”.
King David High School Principal Lorraine Srage welcomed the apology, saying that accountability had been central to the resolution. “We’re grateful that this matter has now been resolved and that there has been ownership and responsibility taken,” she said.
“We have always enjoyed a positive relationship with Roedean, and it is our sincere hope that we can move forward together in a constructive and respectful manner. Sport has always served as a powerful bridge between communities. It teaches respect, teamwork, and mutual understanding. Denying children the opportunity to compete based on race or religion isn’t only deplorable, but a profound missed opportunity to bring young people together in the true spirit of school sport.”
Srage said the school would always advocate for its students. “They have every right, like all children in South Africa, to participate fully in school activities, free from prejudice or exclusion.”
Fiona Claire CAPSTICK
February 13, 2026 at 5:16 pm
One shudders to think of the poison that was injected into certain young brains at Roedean, resulting in refusal to play tennis against the King David Linksfield youngsters. Is anything at all going to be done at Roedean to identify the source of that venom and to embark on a solid programme of education to try to avoid a repetition of such an appalling disgrace? No learner should have been plunged into such a shocking, fear-inducing, humiliating situation. An illustrated talk by rabbonim would be a good start, followed by a visit to the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre. Parents should join their children in this exercise.
Ian Levinson
February 14, 2026 at 1:19 pm
An apology doesn’t magically wipe away antisemitism. Roedean only acted once the outrage became impossible to ignore—that’s not integrity, that’s damage control. If they’re serious, let’s see systemic change: education, accountability, and zero tolerance. Until then, this “apology” is just words on paper, not proof of values. As an ex–King Davidian, I’ve voiced my opinion clearly:
Heather Faulkner
February 14, 2026 at 3:58 pm
I am appalled at the thought of antisemitism from Roedean school. As a Hyde Park high school girl from the 1960’s I had several friends from Roedean who were refined , kind and accepting of all cultures. To my knowledge there was never a time when the excellent name of Roedean was was sullied. It is my opinion that the people who instigated this should be asked to leave the school and if I were on the receiving end of such abominable behaviour I would certainly take it to the Constitutional Court. An apology is not good enough.
Thabiso
February 15, 2026 at 6:44 am
Roedean apology is unfortunate and worse part the resignation of the principal Phuti Mogale. If I was in her shoes I would do the very same especially if some parents have a reservations. Here in South Africa we can’t afford to have schools that associate themselves with apartheid Israel. I even wonder why our government still allowed such nonsense. Our background and scares of apartheid is still fresh in our minds.
Ian Levinson
February 16, 2026 at 4:07 pm
Your statement is not a legitimate critique of policy—it is antisemitism. Equating Jewish schools or communities with “apartheid Israel” is collective blame and bigotry. South Africa’s history of apartheid should teach us to reject prejudice, not recycle it against Jews. No school should be forced to apologize for welcoming Jewish students or maintaining ties with Jewish heritage. Targeting Jews under the guise of politics is exactly the kind of discrimination our Constitution rejects. If you truly care about justice, direct your criticism at governments, not at an entire people.
Pamela Spencer
February 17, 2026 at 10:46 am
Absolutely agree with you.
Ian Levinson
February 17, 2026 at 10:20 am
Calling Israel “apartheid” is not criticism—it’s an antisemitic lie. That slander is weaponized to delegitimize the Jewish state while shielding terrorist groups that openly seek its destruction. Dragging Jewish schools or communities into this smear is collective blame and raw bigotry. South Africa’s apartheid history should remind us to fight prejudice, not recycle it against Jews as you’ve done. No institution should ever be pressured to apologize for welcoming Jewish students or honoring Jewish heritage. Singling out Jews under the guise of politics is discrimination, plain and simple, and it violates the very values our Constitution protects. If justice is truly your concern, aim your outrage at governments and terror organizations—not at an entire people.
Errol Price
February 18, 2026 at 10:30 pm
Absolutely agree with Mr Levinson.
The response of most of the representatives of the Jewish community in South Africa, religious and secular is emblematic of Ghetto-Jews– importuning those who despise us to accept us or at least tolerate us.
King David Teachers, pupils and parents need to do two things at this point.
1. Watch the movie ” Ship of Fools” which shows how casual humiliation of Jews eventually leads to disaster for them
2 Watch the recent podcast of Bret Stephens ( 5 Feb ) — ” the State of world Jewry
Stand up as proud Jews– We are unlikely to convert those steeped in hate.
Ian Levinson
February 23, 2026 at 12:40 pm
I agree with the call for pride and clarity. Too often we overlook how culture and history serve as powerful teachers. Ship of Fools should be compulsory free‑to‑air viewing, because it starkly illustrates how casual humiliation of Jews can snowball into catastrophe when ignored. That lesson is timeless, and just as relevant for schools and communities today as when the film was made.
Pairing that with Bret Stephens’ recent podcast offers both a historical lens and a contemporary analysis — together they underline why standing firm in Jewish identity matters more than chasing acceptance from those who will never grant it.
For those who can, I also recommend Betrayed (2020, original title Den største forbrytelsen). It is far from Norway’s finest hour, but it’s essential viewing. The real problem is that films like this are not readily available in this country — the same applies to Son of Saul and The Zone of Interest. These works need wider access, because they remind us of truths that must never be forgotten.