The Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, has proposed some recent amendments to the National Policy for Determining School Calendars for Public Schools in South Africa. The public is urged to submit comments in writing.
Proposed Policy Changes
In addition to being posted in the Government Gazette, notices regarding proposed changes to the school calendar will also need to be published on the Department of Basic Education's (DBE) website and on social media. Members of the public are given one month to submit comments on the planned calendar.
Previously, the Policy stated that the fourth term should end in the second week of December. The proposed change suggests that the fourth term should end during the first week of December.
The school holidays following the first term should only differ for coastal and inland clusters if the school calendar is staggered. This would see coastal provinces receiving one week of school holidays, whereas inland provinces would receive two weeks.
Proposed changes have also been made to the holidays at the end of the second, third and fourth terms. Rather than specifying in which months these holidays should be granted, updated policy proposes that there will be school holidays after each term.
With regards to minority religious groups, Policy previously allowed for learners to take two recognised religious holidays off from school. However, suggested Policy no longer specifies the number of days off from school.
Two additional policies have also been included:
- Deviation from the policy is allowed in exceptional circumstances
- In the case of a pandemic or natural disaster, the Basic Education Subcommittee on School Calendar for Public Schools must urgently meet in response to this
Lastly, the approved calendar is to be published in the Government Gazette, on the Departmental website and on social media.
Organisations, stakeholders and interested members of the public are invited to comment on these proposed Policy Amendments.
How To Comment
All parties interested in submitting comments can do so by hand, post or via email.
By Post
Department of Basic Education
Private Bag X895
Pretoria
0001
By Hand
Department of Basic Education
Sol Plaatje House
222 Struben Street
Pretoria
Via Email
[email protected] cc: [email protected]
Comments may be submitted until 4 June 2023.
