The Department of Basic Education had to modify the school calendar due to the introduction of a new public holiday. Consequently, the original school closing date has been adjusted by the education department.
Earlier this month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that 15 December 2023, would be a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks' victory at the 2024 Rugby World Cup in France.
In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sportsmen and women – and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation – I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.
This presidential announcement prompted the DBE to revise the school calendar. Initially, the fourth term of the 2023 school year was slated to conclude on Wednesday, 13 December 2023, for learners and Friday, 15 December 2023 for teachers.
However, due to the newly declared public holiday, teachers are now required to remain for two additional days after the learners have completed their term. Consequently, the updated closing dates are now set for Tuesday, 12 December 2023, for learners and Thursday, 14 December 2023, for teachers.
Teachers must remain for two days after the learners have closed in order to complete administrative tasks and planning for the following school year. Therefore the schools will close on Tuesday, 12 December for learners and Thursday, 14 December 2023 for teachers.
The DBE emphasises that this adjustment to the school closing date is to ensure that teachers have sufficient time for essential administrative tasks and planning for the next school year. Consequently, learners will have a total of 198 school days, while teachers will have 202 school days in the 2023 academic year.
All stakeholders in the education sector are urged to take note of this amendment to the 2023 School Calendar, as it affects the closing dates for the fourth term. The government underscores the importance of adhering to these changes to facilitate a smooth transition into the 2024 academic year.