Introducing Roedean’s new Senior School Head

We are delighted to announce that Ms. Phuti Mogale has been appointed as the Head of Senior School and will assume her responsibilities on 1 July 2025.

Ms. Mogale has a Bachelor of Laws degree from Wits University, and Certificate in Practical legal Training from UNISA. She also holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) (Senior and FET Phase) from UNISA. She is currently the Deputy Headmistress and Head of Boarding at St Mary’s Waverley.

Ms Mogale is deeply passionate about educating the girl child. As a product of Waverly Girls, where she was a student leader, she went on to study law before choosing to pursue education. She has started teaching and quickly found herself appointed to leadership positions in Bryanston High, Pretoria High School for Girls and St Mary’s School Waverley. She enjoyed successful and respected tenures in these spaces. She deeply understands the dynamics of the Girls’ Independent Schools sector from multiple vantage points and recognises the expected rigour of our environment.

Through the leadership programmes that she runs, within the schools that she has worked in and in collaboration with other schools, Ms Mogale is widely respected by the educational community. On hearing of her appointment, the outgoing Head of Senior School, Ms Roberts was delighted saying that she is such a fabulous fit for Roedean since during their interactions, they share so many philosophical and practical ideals.

Senior School Executive remarks

Quoting the rest of the Senior School Exco, we feel confident that Ms Mogale will ben warmly welcomed and ably supported as she takes over the reins of a happy, stable, full, and high achieving school.

Anel Natali – Deputy Pastoral Care ‘I am excited to welcome Phuti to our Roedean team. I have had the privilege to hear her speak at a couple of SAGSA workshops on leadership. Her insights and practical tools on building relationships in schools has been inspiring. Welcome Phuti!’

Claire Hochstadter – Deputy Curriculum ‘I am really looking forward to working with Phuti. She has a genuine passion for education and empowering students through leadership. I am so excited to work with her in further developing our students in becoming global citizens.’

Roger Bourquin – SS Exco ‘A big welcome to Phuti. I have no doubt that her leadership and pastoral care expertise will provide further insight into optimising the Roedean Academy and Bursary Program.’

Nthabiseng Raseala – SS Exco ‘Mrs Phuti Mogale is a dynamic and steadfast leader with a forward-thinking vision and passion for girls’ education. I am excited that she is joining Roedean Senior School.’

Please join us in welcoming Phuti, her husband and children to the Roedean Community. We look forward to the valuable contribution she will make, working with the wonderful team at the Senior School, supported by all of us, ensuring that Roedean continues to be a bastion of excellent girls’ education

Roedean students reflect on more than a century of tradition

Looking back to inform the future

“No era exists in isolation. The past directly influences the present. Traditions help me gain a better understanding of the world I live in and help me form an identity.” – Neo Leseilane, Roedean Class of 2024

As Roedean School (SA) celebrated a remarkable 122 years of history on its Foundation Day, 28 February, past and present pupils looked back with fondness on some long-standing traditions – such as the bell ringing 22 times before and after school every day to commemorate the first intake of students at the school back in 1903.
Roedean’s current head student, Ita Collins, says the traditions at this beautiful old school, with its Herbert Baker-designed heritage buildings, hold a special meaning for her as they connect her to her sister who attended the school 14 years ago. “I’ve always been close to her, but there is something special in knowing she wore the same blazer as me and sang the same songs,” says Ita.

“My favourite tradition is singing the school songs, not only because it gives me an insight into Roedean when it was founded but also because the whole school sings together with such enthusiasm and joy, it’s hard not to have a great time.

“The traditions make life at Roedean more fun and interesting because I’m not just going about my normal school day; I’m going about a school day at Roedean where the walls whisper the lives of all of those who came before me.”

Deputy Head Student Isabella Quaker speaks during Roedean’s Foundation Day service.

Stories of mischief and mayhem

Neo Leseilane, the school’s Class of 2024 Dux student who is studying Computational and Applied Mathematics at Wits University, says her favourite Roedean tradition is Foundation Day, honouring the school’s founding in 1903.

“I loved hearing stories of mischief and mayhem from old Roedeanians. The school’s birthday was always a day of celebration and a reminder of the history that we as Roedeanians have the privilege of being a part of.”

Fellow Class of 2024 Matric alumnus Zhuoyi Wu, who is studying BCom Accounting at the University of Pretoria, says Foundation Day is a chance to reaffirm the school’s values – values that are timeless in a fast-changing world.

“Sitting in Founders’ Hall, walking across Bears Lawn [a privilege extended to matrics only] and speaking with Old Roedean girls filled me with an immense sense of pride and joy,” she reflects.

“In these moments, I feel the invisible thread connecting generations of students – all bound by the same spirit. Roedean’s traditions are not static relics of the past; they evolve with every new generation, enriched by fresh energy and enthusiasm.”

Father Kabelo Motlhakane and Executive Director Mrs Lindi Dlamini attend the Foundation Day service.

A sense of unity and belonging

Romy Day, who matriculated in 2024 and is studying towards a BSc in Physiotherapy at Wits, also loved running across Bears Lawn “as it gave us a sense of unity as we neared the end of our school years”.

The school’s traditions, she says, “are meaningful because they mean I’m part of a legacy of empowered women who have lived lives of significance. It’s so easy to be swept up in personal ambition, but Roedean’s values of truth, honour, freedom and honesty will be my guiding light for years to come.”

Nicola Burger, from Roedean’s Class of 1994, agrees that the school’s values form a constant thread throughout its history. “One of the things the founders left when they retired was a guideline on how Roedean should operate, including being sustainable in the decades to come – and 122 years later, the school is still flourishing. They identified that change would be inevitable but said what must not change are the values that Roedean stands for, which I believe the school still holds dear today.”

Zhuoyi says the school’s customs gave her a sense of belonging. “As someone who was born in South Africa, raised in China and returned to South Africa for high school, these traditions became an anchor for me. By embracing Roedean’s heritage, I have also embraced my identity, finding strength in both my cultural roots and the deep pride of being a Roedeanian.”

As a scholarship student who initially feared she would not fit in at Roedean, Neo felt reassured by the school’s long-held traditions. “They showed that, despite our different backgrounds, the Roedean students of the past, present and future are all connected, and all share the identity of being a Roedeanian. This formation of a strong cultural identity aids in a sense of belonging at Roedean.”

Junior School Head Mrs Keshma Patel cuts the Foundation Day cake with Roedean’s youngest Grade 0 student, as per the school’s longstanding tradition.

Fascinating traditions at Roedean:

  • Pupils must always curtsey when receiving an award
  • The youngest pupil in the school cuts the cake on Foundation Day
  • The head girl opens the dance floor at the matric dance with a waltz
  • It’s good luck to touch the copper frogs on the bell when passing the Sumner Arts Block
Senior School students celebrate Roedean’s rich history on Foundation Day.

Matric Results 2024

Roedean School’s holistic approach sees more than half its candidates scoring above 80%

Roedean School’s Matric Class of 2024 has achieved jaw-dropping results, with a 100% Bachelor’s Degree Pass rate and more than half the students scoring above 80%. Overall, students achieved an impressive combined average of 79.4% and an average of 4.42 distinctions per student. Additionally, 18 results ranked in the top 1% in various subjects.

According to Annabel Roberts, Head of Senior School at Roedean, “The key to our success is our focus on holistic well-being, which supports the child as a whole, rather than just academically.”

She adds, “Because of this, we’ve seen the greatest improvements in students’ marks from the end of Grade 11 to Grade 12. Our approach demonstrates that the solution lies not in hyper-focusing on academic excellence only but in taking care of the student as a whole – emotionally, physically and spiritually. This has resulted in us achieving the second-best results we have ever achieved.”

To make this happen, Roedean implemented several important changes. “We increased break times, set aside time for meetings, sports and cultural activities, and created small, integrated tutor groups that encourage mentorship. We also reduced academic time, allowing students to pursue sporting and cultural activities and better manage their time and well-being.”

This shift has been very successful.

Roberts continues, “These impressive Matric results were achieved while keeping our holistic approach in mind. We believe our students have not only excelled academically and in sports and cultural activities, but they have also developed as individuals.”

Roedean School is known for its excellent academic programmes and offers a dynamic curriculum that emphasises creativity, critical thinking and character development. Students are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests – from sciences and humanities to arts and sports – in a supportive environment that helps them develop their own strengths. 

Additionally, Roedean School promotes a strong sense of social responsibility among its students. Various programmes encourage them to engage with both local and global issues, helping to shape young women who are not only knowledgeable but also compassionate and determined to make a difference.

This commitment is reflected in the achievements of our two top students, who both earned nine distinctions and ranked in the IEB’s top 5% in six or more subjects. In addition to achieving academic excellence, they also excelled in various sporting and cultural co-curricular activities. 

“In fact, at the end of 2024 Roedean was ranked the seventh-best sporting school and the top water polo school in South Africa, according to SuperSport. That is the balance we’re passionate about,” adds Roberts.

For the school’s Executive Director, Lindi Dlamini, Matric marks the end of a magical time spent preparing students to take their rightful place in society, inspired to live a life of significance. 

“We take pride in the work we’ve done to equip these young students to be reliable, ethical global citizens who have not only grown in their academic, sporting and cultural abilities but who have grown in their characters, too,” says Dlamini.

Roedean School’s achievements demonstrate how effective a holistic approach to education can be. The results speak for themselves – a 100% Bachelor’s Degree Pass rate and a remarkable number of distinctions show that when students feel supported and balanced, they can shine in all areas.

Key highlights:

  • Second-highest results achieved in the history of the school
  • 100% Matriculation pass rate
  • 100% Bachelor’s Degree – BD (university entrance) – pass rate
  • 292 distinctions from 66 students
  • An average of 4.4 distinctions per candidate
  • The overall average of the cohort was 79.4% 
  • Three candidates on the IEB Outstanding Achievements List: Kajal Jogi, Mia Loizides and Neo Leseilane were ranked in the top 5% of IEB learners in six or more subjects and achieved a rating level of 7 in Life Orientation
  • One candidate on the IEB Commendable Achievements List: Ammarah Ismail was ranked in the top 5% of IEB learners in five or more subjects and achieved a rating level of 7 in Life Orientation

Key statistics: 

  • Two students received nine distinctions
  • 12 students were ranked in the top 1% across 18 subjects
  • Eight students received eight distinctions
  • 10 students received seven distinctions
  • Four students received six distinctions
  • 10 students received five distinctions
  • All subjects with more than three students were above the IEB average
  • Subjects that were 10% or more above the IEB average: Geography (16%), Mathematics (15%), Afrikaans FAL (15%), Physical Sciences (13%), Visual Arts (12%), Life Sciences (11%), Music (11%), Accounting (10%), History (10%) and English HL (10%) 

Introducing Roedean’s new Junior School Head

We are absolutely delighted to introduce Mrs Keshma Patel, our new Head of Junior School, who will be starting at Roedean in Term 1 of 2025. With 14 years of teaching experience and a decade in senior leadership roles, Keshma’s journey has been driven by her dedication to education, especially girls’ education. Currently, she serves as the Deputy Head at St Cyprian’s Preparatory School, where she has honed her skills and vision in nurturing young minds and shaping future leaders. From her first year as a Grade 4 teacher in a large state school, she has felt a calling to lead and bring about meaningful change in education. Being appointed Grade Head ignited a spark, propelling her toward leadership and transformation. Her career has been characterised by her unwavering ambition to innovate and elevate educational standards

Mrs Patel’s role as deputy head at St Cyprian’s School has given her a comprehensive understanding of the importance of creating an inclusive, dynamic, and impactful educational environment. She is passionate about innovative and relevant teaching methods and bringing her team along with me on the journey. Her practical and theoretical knowledge allows her to lead with understanding, experience, and compassion.

Mrs Patel holds a Bachelor of Science in English, Public Policy, and Religion. A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) as well as a Bachelor of Education Degree (B Ed). Leadership, mentorship, curriculum development, student support as well as community engagement are a few skills that she has honed and that will be key to the success of her role.

Mrs Patel is excited to join Roedean and looks forward to leading a team dedicated to empowering young learners through education and says: “Roedean’s values of Truth, Honour, Freedom and Courtesy resonate deeply with my own. I am excited and committed to continue fostering the culture of excellence, creativity and influence that Roedean strives for; and to encourage our staff and students to live a life of significance.”

Please join us in welcoming Mrs Patel to Roedean. We look forward to the valuable contribution that she will make with the support of the Roedean Community.

PRESS RELEASE: Roedean School (SA) partners with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

Rallying together to support childhood cancer Roedean School (SA) partners with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa.

  • September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
  • Buy your Childhood Cancer ribbon to show your support and raise awareness.

Around 80% of all childhood cancer cases globally occur in low- and middle-income countries yet less than a third of children are diagnosed in these countries and of those that are treated, less than 20% survive (South African Government Official Information and services, 2024).

We are proud to announce our partnership with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA, a non-profit organisation that advocates for the health and wellbeing of children and teenagers diagnosed with cancer or life-threatening blood disorders and their families. “Our shared and non-negotiable core values of service and teamwork with the aim of transforming our world continues to be the pillars that encourage us to stand up and support the well-being of our communities” said Lindi Dlamini, Executive Director.

We call our community to come together in support of our efforts to spread awareness of childhood cancer, early diagnosis as well as treatment. From 13 September to 20 September, you will be able to buy a gold ribbon for as little as R15,00. The ribbon will serve as a way for individuals to show their allegiance and advocate for research and resources.

We would really like to make an effort befitting of Roedean, so we urge our community to fully support us in meeting our target of R100 000. We encourage you to #PlayYourPart to ensure that affected families have the means to send their children to hospital for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, for most families sending a child to hospital has an adverse impact on necessities of daily living such as food and shelter.

#PlayYourPart and donate now via:

Ribbons can be collected from Junior School Reception or Senior School Reception upon confirmation of payment.

May we continue to live our values and participate actively in social responsibility. Like and follow us on our social media channels to learn more about Childhood Cancer and how you can #PlayYourPart

Warm regards

Mrs Lindi Dlamini

Executive Director

World Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Day

The 28th of May is recognised as World Menstrual Hygiene Awareness Day.

Roedean School (SA) partners up with Blossom Care to raise awareness and to help play their part in solving period poverty.

Period Poverty is a serious issue that affects up to 30% of young girls of school going age in South Africa. The pandemic results in these girls losing up to an average of 3-5 days of school every month. This coupled with the social taboos that still exist around menstruation negatively affect development outcomes for girls in township schools (our targeted focus group).

From 28 May till 28 July, you can play your part in breaking the cycle of period poverty for as little as R250 to provide pads for a year and afford each girl the maximum number of days that she needs to attend school for a brighter tomorrow. The proceeds generated will be allocated to the Roedean School (SA) corporate social responsibility partner; Phedišang Community Development Project in Limpopo. 

From the 4-10 August, 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.

 ‘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 which enhances our ability to have a significant positive impact on lives beyond our gates.’ (Annabel Roberts, 2023)

The change starts with you. Donate now: https://blossomcare.co.za/donate/

Add Roedean as a reference in the notes section.

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 vulnerable children. The organisation offers psycho-social support and nutritious meals to these children. Operating through five centers, Phedišang Community Development Project serves as a safe haven, offering homework supervision as well as assistance with social welfare documentation and healthcare, ensuring the holistic well-being of the children.

Welcoming Mrs Lindiwe Dlamini as Executive Director

Roedean school is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Lindiwe (Lindi) Dlamini in the newly created role of Executive Director from 1 January 2023.

The Executive Director position was created with the intention of addressing the ever- expanding role and the resultant pressures on the Heads of schools. The Head of the Senior School will be announced later this year.

Mrs Dlamini is an experienced and well-respected leader having worked in both the Not- for-Profit and corporate sectors. She brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership skill having built and headed up numerous teams, sat on various boards and participated as a Fellow and member of several international initiatives.

Mrs Dlamini is currently the CEO of the president’s GBVF Response Fund1, set up in 2021 to resource the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Having been tasked with laying the foundations and having settled the organisation, she is ready to hand over the reins. Mrs Dlamini was previously CEO of Safrican Insurance Company, Group Executive of PPS Human Capital, MD of Alexander Forbes Retail and Group Executive for Emerging Consumer Markets and Retail Operations in South Africa at Liberty Holdings. She has over twenty-five years of financial services experience. She holds BA and LLB degrees from the University of Swaziland and an LLM in tax law from Wits University. She has undergone senior leadership training at Manchester Business School and participated in a Global Leadership course at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a Fellow of the sixth class of the Africa Leadership Initiative-South Africa (ALI-SA) and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN).

She is passionate about mentoring and coaching young women and is thrilled to join Roedean where tradition is respected but change is embraced.

Mrs Lindi Dlamini is excited about taking up the position and says,

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be joining the Roedean community as Executive Director. The privilege of joining an enduring bastion of excellence such as Roedean is one I don’t take for granted. I look forward to making a meaningful and sustainable contribution to inspiring our students on their journey towards a life of significance. Working with the leadership team and supported by the Board as well as the Roedean community, I look forward to amplifying the excellent work of our academic staff.”

Chair Ms Audrey Mothupi added:

“We look forward to the valuable contribution Mrs Dlamini will make as she works with our Roedean staff, PTA, SAORA and most importantly our students. We welcome and wish Mrs Dlamini and her family a happy and long time at our remarkable school. The board looks forward to working with her and the EXCO teams to drive the strategic vision and ensure Roedean’s place as a leading global private school.”