South Africa’s Department of Basic Education (DBE) dismisses false claims about the introduction of Grade 13 in 2026.
No, Grade 13 is Not Coming to South African Schools
Recent social media claims suggesting that South Africa will introduce Grade 13 from 2026 have been debunked by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). The misinformation, widely circulated on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, falsely states that the high school system will be extended, affecting the Matric class of 2025.
However, the DBE has officially confirmed that these claims are false. There are no plans to extend schooling beyond Grade 12.
Understanding the False Claims
The misleading information alleges that:
- South African high schools will have six grades (Grades 8-13) instead of the current five (Grades 8-12).
- Matric 2025 learners will be required to complete Grade 13 in 2026.
- A new system will gradually introduce more grades, leading to a 14-grade school structure.
These claims are entirely baseless, with no official policy changes announced by the DBE.
DBE’s Official Statement: No Grade 13
The Department of Basic Education has issued a clear response, warning the public about fake news:
“Please be wary of fake news! There are no plans to add Grade 13 to the South African schooling system. Official announcements by the Department of Basic Education are published on the DBE’s official communication platforms.”
The DBE urges South Africans to verify all educational information using reliable sources such as the department’s official website and reputable news platforms.
The Impact of Fake News on Education
False information can have serious consequences, especially in education. It can:
- Confuse learners and parents: Causing unnecessary anxiety and concern.
- Distract from real issues: Wasting time that could be used to improve education.
- Undermine trust in real news: Making it harder for people to distinguish between credible sources and misinformation.
How to Identify Fake News
To avoid falling for misinformation, always:
✔ Check the source – Is it from an official government site or a random social media post?
✔ Look for grammatical errors – Fake news often contains spelling mistakes and odd phrasing.
✔ Verify with trusted media – If major news outlets are not reporting it, it is likely false.
✔ Visit the official DBE website – Authentic updates are always available at www.education.gov.za.
✔ Avoid sensationalist headlines – Posts that use exaggerated language like “Breaking!!” without evidence are usually misleading.
What This Means for South African Learners
✅ Grade 12 remains the final year of high school.
✅ The National Senior Certificate (NSC) will continue as the official Matric qualification.
✅ There is no Grade 13 planned now or in the future.
✅ Learners should focus on their current academic curriculum.
Where to Get Accurate Education News
For verified updates, always check these sources:
- Department of Basic Education website: www.education.gov.za
- DBE Twitter and Facebook pages (@DBE_SA)
- Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
The claim that Grade 13 will be introduced in South Africa is completely false. The DBE has reassured the public that no changes are being made to the school system. Always fact-check information before sharing it, and rely on credible sources for accurate updates.
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