Will South Africa really get a Grade 13 from 2026?
Rumours that the Department of Basic Education will introduce Grade 13 next year have gone viral on social media.
A post claiming that the Department of Basic Education will add another grade after Grade 12 from January 1, 2026, has been widely shared online.
"From 1 January 2026, basic education will add another grade after Grade 12. There will be Grade 13, and high school will now be from Grade 8 to Grade 13," stated the post.
"Matric 2025 will be doing Grade 13 next year. This indicates that the Matric class of 2025 will be the first to attend Grade 13."
Numerous people jumped on the bandwagon, and videos supporting these claims quickly started circulating online, sparking confusion and debate.
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However, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has firmly dismissed these claims, calling them outright fake news.
Please be wary of fake news! There are no plans to add #Grade13 to the South African schooling system. Official announcements by the Department of Basic Education are published on the DBE's official communication platforms. pic.twitter.com/DtV75gMr2u
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 22, 2025
The DBE has urged South Africans to be vigilant when consuming online content and to verify information before sharing it.
"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," said the department.
The spread of misinformation is a growing concern, with fake news often designed to manipulate public perception or increase engagement on social media platforms.
The DBE emphasised the importance of distinguishing between credible sources and those that propagate falsehoods.
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"With misinformation and disinformation at an all-time high, it is important to tell the difference between legitimate sources of information and those who peddle lies to increase engagement on their pages."
This incident serves as a reminder to always fact-check claims before believing or sharing them.
Official updates on education policies in South Africa will always be communicated through the DBE’s verified platforms.
South Africans are encouraged to rely on reputable news sources and exercise caution to avoid falling prey to disinformation campaigns.
For official education-related updates, visit the DBE’s website or follow their verified social media pages.
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