Johannesburg – Roedean School for girls has caused an uproar by refusing to play an inter-school tennis fixture against Jewish students from King David.
Responding to the snub on Sunday, 8 February 2026, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) said “it condemns the blatant prejudice shown by the Roedean”.
The SAJBD said King David School has communicated with its parent body regarding this “appalling incident” and is continuing to engage with Isasa and Roedean to address it.
“This disturbing refusal to play Jewish learners is deeply upsetting for the Jewish tennis players, but also conveys the message that hate and discrimination have become acceptable values at Roedean,” the SAJBD said in a statement made available to The Bulrushes.
“Roedean cannot claim to be ‘guided by a strong set of values and principles’ when they clearly violate the basic tenets of South Africa’s Constitution.
‘Sport has the potential to unite and harness diversity, but regrettably, Rhodean flouted that opportunity by boycotting the Jewish school.”
Commenting on the matter, Roedean School said it was aware of the circulation of a voice note relating to a scheduled inter-school tennis fixture with King David that did not proceed as planned.
“We recognise the seriousness of the concerns that have been raised and the distress this matter has caused to students, families, and the wider school community.
“Roedean is engaging directly with King David Linksfield and with ISASA to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the fixture are fully understood and addressed through the appropriate processes.
“In line with those engagements, it would be inappropriate to debate or litigate the facts publicly at this stage.”
The school said it has a long-standing commitment to inclusion and respect for all communities, and antisemitism has no place in our school.
“We will communicate further once the current process has concluded,” stated Roedean School.
