Extend Holidays – In a new development that could affect millions of learners and parents across the country, the South African Department of Basic Education is reportedly reviewing the current academic calendar, raising the possibility of extended school holidays once again. This move comes amid concerns related to infrastructure issues, extreme weather patterns, and a backlog in curriculum coverage from previous terms. While no final decision has been made, insiders from the education sector have confirmed that internal discussions are underway to potentially push the reopening dates of schools, especially in provinces still facing post-flood disruptions and load-shedding complications. The Department aims to prioritize learner safety and ensure that schools are adequately prepared before welcoming students back. In previous years, unexpected extensions to school holidays due to COVID-19, floods, and other emergencies created major challenges for both students and educators. Many are now expressing concern that a new extension could widen the academic gap even further. Parents, on the other hand, are dealing with mixed emotions—some relieved at the chance to prepare better for the term, while others worry about disruption to childcare and economic routines. Teachers’ unions have also weighed in, urging the Department to communicate clearly and provide adequate resources if an extension does occur. Below is a complete overview of what is known so far, what learners and parents can expect, and how the decision may affect academic activities in Term 3 and Term 4.
Why Is the Education Department Considering Extending School Holidays?
The Department of Basic Education is facing multiple pressure points that could justify pushing back the start of the term.
- Continued impact of infrastructure damage in some regions
- Severe winter weather warnings in parts of KZN and Eastern Cape
- Load-shedding disruptions to school operations
- Ongoing teacher shortages in rural districts
- Pressure from unions to allow time for teacher preparation
- Curriculum catch-up plans still underway in many provinces
- Parent and learner safety remains a top concern
Provinces Most Likely to See Calendar Changes for Extend Holidays
Some provinces are more vulnerable to disruptions due to their unique geographic and administrative challenges. Here’s a breakdown:
- KwaZulu-Natal: High risk due to past floods and weather instability
- Eastern Cape: Power outages affecting remote school operations
- Limpopo: Teacher vacancies and learner transport issues
- Free State: Ongoing classroom rehabilitation in flood-hit areas
- Northern Cape: Severe cold fronts disrupting winter attendance
Tentative Calendar Adjustments Being Reviewed
Although no new calendar has been officially released, education officials have proposed internal drafts showing potential changes to Term 3 start dates and holiday rescheduling.
| Proposed Change | Previous Date | New Tentative Date | Affected Stakeholders | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term 3 Reopening | 8 August 2025 | 15 August 2025 | Learners, Parents, Staff | Infrastructure Readiness |
| Matric Trial Exams | 19 August 2025 | 26 August 2025 | Grade 12 Learners, DBE | Admin Delay |
| Educator Planning Week | 1 August 2025 | 5 August 2025 | Teachers, District Admins | Resource Allocation |
| Mid-Term Break Review | 25–28 September | Cancelled | All Grades | Catch-Up Time |
| Term 4 Start | 14 October 2025 | 21 October 2025 | Entire School System | Avoid Exam Overlap |
| Final Year-End Exams | 4 November 2025 | 11 November 2025 | Matrics, Teachers | New Calendar Alignment |
| Term End Date | 12 December 2025 | 19 December 2025 | Learners, Admin Staff | Longer Final Term |
How the Extension Could Affect Learners’ Academic Progress
Extending school holidays might give some schools time to prepare better, but it could also impact the learning momentum students have built up.
- Delayed curriculum completion, especially for Grades 10–12
- Reduced classroom contact time in Term 3
- Rescheduling of internal and trial examinations
- Potential overlapping of sports or cultural events with academic sessions
- Added pressure on teachers to rush through syllabi
What Should Parents and Students Do Now?
While waiting for an official announcement, here are some steps households can take to stay prepared:
- Monitor DBE’s official website and provincial education department pages
- Maintain a flexible transport and work schedule for mid-August
- Reinforce study habits at home to avoid regression during downtime
- Prepare early for term expenses such as uniforms, stationery, and transport
- Contact school principals directly for individual updates
Key Points to Remember if Extension Is Confirmed
If the Education Department goes ahead with changes, parents and students must be proactive in managing the time and staying informed:
- Keep learner IDs, timetables, and homework folders organized
- Expect additional learning content or online materials during the gap
- Watch for last-minute changes to term assessments and project deadlines
- Avoid travel or holiday bookings before official confirmation
Reactions from Teachers’ Unions and Education Watchdogs
National teacher unions like SADTU and NAPTOSA have responded cautiously, supporting the idea only if it ensures learner safety and curriculum protection.
| Union/Organization | Position on Extension | Key Comments |
|---|---|---|
| SADTU | Conditional Support | “Ensure all schools are ready before forcing reopening dates.” |
| NAPTOSA | Supportive | “Allowing teachers more time may improve overall term quality.” |
| Equal Education | Critical | “Calendar shifts hurt rural and underprivileged learners the most.” |
| School Governing Bodies | Mixed | “Parents need clearer guidelines, not just rumors and leaks.” |
| Independent Schools Assoc. | Opposed | “Delays are unnecessary in well-resourced schools.” |
Alternative Plans If Schools Don’t Reopen on Time
If the calendar is extended, the Department may offer interim learning programs to ensure students stay academically engaged.
- Radio lessons via SABC Education
- WhatsApp-based homework support from teachers
- Provincial learning portals for downloadable worksheets
- Community-based tutoring support through NGOs
- TV-based learning for key subjects (Grades 7–12)
Department of Basic Education Contact Details
For official updates or to raise specific concerns, reach out to the DBE and your Provincial Education Office using the information below.
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Department of Basic Education | 0800 202 933 | [email protected] | www.education.gov.za |
| KZN Provincial Education Office | 031 327 3000 | [email protected] | www.kzneducation.gov.za |
| Eastern Cape Department of Education | 040 608 4000 | [email protected] | www.eceducation.gov.za |
| Gauteng Department of Education | 011 355 0000 | [email protected] | www.education.gpg.gov.za |
| Western Cape Education Department | 021 467 2000 | [email protected] | www.wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za |
| Free State Department of Education | 051 404 8000 | [email protected] | www.fsdoe.fs.gov.za |
| Limpopo Department of Education | 015 290 7600 | [email protected] | www.edu.limpopo.gov.za |
Stay tuned to local news broadcasts, official government statements, and school communication channels for the final verdict, which is expected to be announced in early August 2025.
Until then, learners are encouraged to stay prepared, review previous term notes, and make good use of free learning resources available online or through public broadcasting.
FAQs of Extend Holidays
Q1: Has the Department officially confirmed the school holiday extension?
No, the Department is still reviewing the academic calendar. No official notice has been released yet.
Q2: Will this impact all grades or only certain learners?
While all learners may be affected, Grades 10–12 will likely see the most disruption due to exams.
Q3: How will I know if my province is affected?
Check the official website of your provincial education department or contact your local school.
Q4: What if my child’s school remains open while others delay?
Independent and private schools may operate on different calendars unless instructed otherwise.
Q5: Can learners receive support during the extended break?
Yes, the DBE may activate radio, TV, or online learning support to bridge the academic gap.