On 15 October, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) released the draft calendar for the 2027 school year. Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube is calling on the public to comment on the Proposed 2027 School Calendar.
I, Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, acting under section 3(4)(k) of the National Education Policy Act, 1996 (No. 27 of 1996) and after consultation with the Council of Education Ministers, invite stakeholder bodies and members of the public to comment on the Proposed 2027 School Calendar.
The public consultation offers a chance for communities, education stakeholders, and other interested parties to have their voices heard on the scheduling of the 2027 school year.
The Proposed 2027 School Calendar is accessible online through the Department of Basic Education’s website at www.education.gov.za.
Submissions must be addressed to the Director-General of the Department of Basic Education, directed to Mr S Mlambo, and sent via email to [email protected] with a copy to [email protected].
Members of the public will have until 15 November 2024 to have their say on the proposed 2027 school calendar.
The closing date for submitting comments is one month from the publication date of this notice.
Proposed 2027 School Calendar
According to the draft 2027 school calendar, the 2027 school year will commence on 13 January and end on 8 December 2027. The 2027 proposed school year will comprise of 42 weeks at school with 199 school days for learners.
Teachers will be expected to be at school for 203 days.
Proposed 2027 School Terms
Term 1: (11) 13 January – 19 March
Term 2: 6 April - 25 June
Term 3: 20 July - 1 October
Term 4: 11 October - 8 (10) December
Brackets indicate the dates on which teachers begin and conclude the school year.
Public Holidays For 2027 School Year
- 1 January New Year’s Day
- 21 March Human Rights Day
- 22 March Human Rights Day Day off
- 26 March Good Friday
- 29 March Family Day
- 26 April Special School Holiday
- 27 April Freedom Day
- 1 May Workers’ Day
- 16 June Youth Day
- 9 August National Women’s Day
- 24 September Heritage Day
- 16 December Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December Christmas Day
- 26 December Day of Goodwill
How School Calendars Are Determined
The DBE follows a multi-step process to develop the annual school calendar. First, the DBE drafts a preliminary calendar. This draft is then shared with provincial education departments and other relevant stakeholders for feedback.
After considering the initial feedback, the DBE forms a subcommittee to review the comments and refine the proposed calendar. The revised calendar is then submitted to the Minister of Basic Education for public consultation.
Following the public comment period, the subcommittee reconvenes to review the public's input. The proposed calendar is then sent to a committee for evaluation and recommendation to the council.
The council, after reviewing the committee's recommendations, makes a decision on the proposed calendar. If approved, the Minister of Basic Education officially publishes the final calendar in various mediums, including the Government Gazette, the DBE website, and social media.
