Education Department Denies Plans for Grade 13

Education Department Denies Plans for Grade 13. Social media has recently been flooded with discussions about an alleged extension of the South African schooling system to include Grade 13. The speculation began after a viral post claimed that an additional school grade would be introduced starting from 1 January 2026. However, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has officially dismissed these claims, urging the public to be cautious of misinformation.

Education Department Denies Plans for Grade 13

The basic education department denied plans to introduce grade 13 in 2026 on 22 February. Fake news should be avoided! #Grade13 is not planned for the South African education system.

DBE Refutes Grade 13 Rumors

In response to the widespread rumors, the DBE has clarified that there are no plans to implement Grade 13 in South African schools. The department emphasized that such claims are entirely false and have no basis in any current or future educational policies.

A spokesperson for the DBE stated:

“We urge the public to verify information from official sources before sharing misleading news. There are no plans to introduce Grade 13, and any reports suggesting otherwise are untrue.”

Misinformation and Fake News Alert

The department has warned citizens to be vigilant against false information spreading online. Fake news can cause unnecessary panic and confusion, especially when it comes to education policies affecting students, parents, and educators.

The DBE has urged the public to rely solely on its official communication channels for verified updates. Any major educational reform, such as adding a new grade, would require extensive legislative and operational changes, none of which are currently under consideration.

Where to Find Official Education Updates

To stay informed about accurate news and policy changes, the public is encouraged to follow the DBE’s official communication platforms, including:

• The Department of Basic Education’s official website
• Verified social media pages of the DBE
• Public announcements through government press releases

Conclusion

The false claims about the introduction of Grade 13 highlight the growing challenge of misinformation on social media. The DBE has reassured students, parents, and educators that no such changes are planned for the South African schooling system.