Is SA getting a Grade 13? Dept of Education responds to rumours

South Africans are scratching their heads over rumours that the Department of Basic Education will implement Grade 13 in schools in 2026.

But how accurate are these unverified claims?

IS SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS GETTING A GRADE 13?

On social media, there have been numerous whispers that SA schools could see a Grade 13 being implemented in 2026.

Content creator @garfieldzar was one of the TikTokers who cited the reports as fact.

He said: “High school no longer ends in Grade 12. It now finishes in Grade 13”.

The TikToker quoted an excerpt of text from a Google search that claims that the new level would kick in in 2026. The claims was made on a Facebook page that claimed to represent the Department of Basic Education.

@garfieldzar Grade 13😭 #greenscreen #southafricatiktok #fyp ♬ Dust Collector – ybg lucas

In the comments section, South Africans were in disbelief over the bombshell claims.

“Another year to learn literally nothing,” posted @brandon69. 

“South African government is sick,” commented @desiremartin6.

“Who do these people think they are?” @cherylls_va wrote.

Meanwhile, another TikToker – teacher @riaandurand – also expressed his shock.

“Grade 13? No, I rebuke it”, he said in jest.

@riaandurand View teacher panic in full mode… #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound – riaandurand

DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION RESPONDS

The South African contacted the Department of Education over social media rumours of the implementation of Grade 13.

Department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga quickly rubbished the reports.

He said: “Fake news!”

He continued: “If it is not on my social media handles, then it does not exist.”

Mhlanga urged South Africans to verify rumours before spreading misinformation. He added, “If you cannot find it on any WhatsApp groups as an official statement, it is fake news.”

DO YOU THINK THERE IS A NEED FOR GRADE 13 IN SA?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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