The Department of Basic Education has released a proposed school calendar for the 2023 school year. According to the calendar, learners will have a total of 203 days of school attendance.
Learners from inland provinces are set to start their academic year from 11 January to 13 December and 18 January to 13 December for learners in coastal provinces.
The slight difference between the 2023 and 2022 calendars is that 2021 has 202 days of schooling.
The breakout of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 resulted in disruptions in school attendance for learners across South Africa, which saw daily school attendance suspended for three months due to the rapid and contagious and nature of the virus.
Furthermore, upon the reopening of schools, it was found that a significant number of learners had dropped out. While others had to rely on online learning as a safer alternative option. Some had their parents pull them out of school out of fear of getting infected.
This year, rising Covid-19 infections also saw extended school holidays that resulted in the department cancelling the matrics June exams. In addition to missing out on much of the 2021 academic year, some learners might find their return to school next week delayed after their schools were looted and vandalised during the recent unrest.
Read more: Schools Could Fall Behind Due To Delayed Reopening Dates
The department has invited South Africans to comment on the proposed 2023 School Calendar, by sending an email to either [email protected] or [email protected]. The comments must reach the department by no later than one month after the publication of the proposed calendar.
The Department requests your input on the proposed school calendar for 2023. The details are on the calendar where you can send your suggestions. @HubertMweli @ReginahMhaule @ElijahMhlanga pic.twitter.com/QKTDlOAcrg
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) July 21, 2021
