Amid rumours and misinformation, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has made it clear: there will be no extra school holiday for learners in September 2025.
Fake News Sparks Confusion About 2025 School Calendar
Social media has once again become the breeding ground for misinformation. In recent weeks, false reports have gone viral, claiming that the 2025 school calendar was being adjusted to allow an extended September break for learners.
These fake news posts allege that the DBE is “reviewing the 2025 calendar to better balance teaching days and public holidays.” However, this claim lacks any credible backing and, importantly, does not appear in any official government documentation.
The DBE has since confirmed that these reports are completely false.
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Official Word: No Extra School Holiday for Learners in September
The Department of Basic Education confirmed that no amendments have been made to the 2025 school calendar. A spokesperson for the department stated:
“We can confirm that there are no changes to the 2025 schooling calendar. Any announcement not made on the official social media accounts of the department should be viewed as fake news by the public.”
The third term for 2025 ends on 3 October, with school holidays running from 4 October to 12 October. Learners will return for Term 4 on 13 October 2025. There is no provision in the calendar for an extended break in September.
The Only Public Holiday: Heritage Day on 24 September
Heritage Day, which falls on Wednesday, 24 September, is the only public holiday in that month. Despite claims to the contrary, the calendar does not allow for an extended break around this public holiday.
Creating an extended holiday in September would require learners to take off four additional days, an unlikely scenario without a total restructuring of the school calendar. Given that learners already enjoyed three additional school holidays in April and May 2025, the DBE sees no reason to offer further downtime.
Calendar Changes Are Not Arbitrary
One of the key misconceptions spread by fake news is that the school calendar can be changed overnight. In reality, the process is legally regulated and must go through official channels.
Every year, the school calendar is:
- Drafted and gazetted at least two years in advance.
- Published for public comment.
- Finalised and then released by the DBE.
For example, the 2025 school calendar was gazetted in August 2022 and finalised in early 2023. The 2026 and 2027 calendars were published after being gazetted in October 2024.
While the Minister of Basic Education can make changes under exceptional circumstances, such changes must still be formally announced and justified.
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Past Calendar Changes Were Due to COVID-19
Many South Africans recall the significant calendar disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, 2021, and 2022, the DBE had to make adjustments to accommodate lockdowns and safety protocols.
Since then, a new policy clause was added, stating that the Minister can only approve deviations from the official calendar for good cause and under exceptional conditions.
Misinformation about regular, unplanned calendar changes undermines this well-structured and legally bound process.
Future September Breaks: What’s Actually Planned?
While there is no extra school holiday for learners in September 2025, the DBE has already planned earlier third-term breaks in 2026 and 2027:
- In 2026, the third-term break begins on 26 September, just after Heritage Day.
- In 2027, learners will go on holiday from 23 September, again offering a natural break around the public holiday.
These breaks have been officially confirmed and are reflected in the final school calendars published by the department.
How to Identify Fake News on the School Calendar
To avoid falling for fake reports, parents and learners should keep the following in mind:
- Always verify information with official DBE platforms or gazettes.
- Check the official social media channels of the Department of Basic Education.
- Be wary of websites that do not link to primary sources.
- Look out for sensationalist language or vague claims with no supporting documents.
Trust the Process, Not the Rumours
The rumour about an extended September school holiday in 2025 is just that, a rumour. The DBE has categorically denied any such change, reaffirming that the school calendar remains unchanged.
Learners will continue the third term as scheduled and enjoy their break starting from 4 October 2025. Parents are urged to stay informed through official DBE channels and to be cautious of unverified reports online.
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