Maccabi South Africa is managed and staffed by a dedicated team of volunteers and one full time employee, comprising skilled administrators, managers and coaches who each bring extensive knowledge and experience acquired in their professional lives to the organisation.
The team has strong bonds based on a love for Israel and a passion for sport. Some members are accomplished sportspersons who have competed at the Maccabiah, some still compete in their chosen sports, while others are ardent sports fans.
Maccabi SA, like its counterparts across the world, is driven by a powerful spirit of community service and a desire to help people of all ages get active, whether it’s in social, recreational or competitive sport.
In order to optimise its service to the community, Maccabi SA undertook a review of its constitutional and governance structures, to bring them in line with current organisational needs and best practice. A new Memorandum of Incorporation (MOI) was officially adopted in 2019, following an 18-month process of review, discussion and consultation. In accordance with the MOI, a new Board of Directors was elected at the AGM on 3 November 2019 and since then members have been rotated on an annual basis.
As of September 2024, Farrell Cohen has been appointed to the Board to replace Ashley Kotzin. We thank Ashley for his valuable contribution and support. Farrell recently served as Maccabi SA’s Head of Delegation to the 2022 Games, which was his 5th Maccabiah.
Clifford Garrun Chairman
Chanan Emdin Treasurer
Farrell Cohen Director
Rosalynne Goldin Director
Desmond Hyman Director
Gina Isserow (WP) Director
Brad Kaftel Director
Lawrence Sacke Director
To be confirmed General Manager
Maccabi Western Province is a sub-committee of Maccabi South Africa. Based in Cape Town, this team of volunteers, supported by dedicated and enthusiastic parents, continues to achieve excellent results through the delivery of a successful sports and recreational programme for all ages.
Co-Chairpersons: Vanessa Arelisky and Gina Isserow
Treasurer: David Silverman
General Manager: Noah Friedman
Each Maccabi SA sport is headed up by a Sports Convenor. Their role is twofold: to organise and manage a local programme of events, and to select and manage team(s) and/or individuals to compete at the Maccabiah and other Regional Games. Maccabi SA’s Convenors are passionate, dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts make a valuable contribution to our sporting community.
Updated 2024 list to be confirmed 
| 1950-1958 | Ian Maltz | 1982-1987 | George Mendelsohn |
| 1958-1963 | Alf Blumberg | 1987-1992 | Natie Liberman |
| 1963-1967 | Ian Maltz | 1992-1993 | Issy Bacher |
| 1967-1972 | Louis Gecelter | 1993-1997 | Jeanne Futeran |
| 1972-1975 | Arthur Goldman | 1998-2002 | Abe (Butch) Blacher |
| 1975-1979 | Wilfred Lissack | 2002-2007 | Raymond Hack |
| 1979-1982 | Monty Manoim | 2007-2010 | Mervyn Tankelowitz |
At the AGM in 2023, Mervyn Tankelowitz was appointed Honorary Life President of Maccabi SA, taking over from the late George Mendelsohn. Les Cohen was appointed Honorary Life Member, becoming the 8th person to share this honours list, which includes South Africans Abe Blacher, Jack Lurie, Jeanne Futeran and Raymond Hack.
Mervyn was also appointed to the Council of the Movement of Maccabi World Union, together with Maccabi SA Director Ros Goldin, which provides strategic advice and guidance to the organisation.
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