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?
Table of Contents
- 1. IS SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOLS GETTING A GRADE 13?
- 2. DEPARTMENT OF BASIC EDUCATION RESPONDS
- 3. DO YOU THINK THERE IS A NEED FOR GRADE 13 IN SA?
- 4. Why has the department of Basic Education chosen to focus on improving existing grades rather than introducing Grade 13?
- 5. Exclusive Interview: Clearing the Air on the Grade 13 rumours with Department of Education Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga
- 6. IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE GRADE 13 RUMOURS?
- 7. WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE TO SOUTH AFRICANS SPREADING THIS MISINFORMATION?
- 8. WHERE CAN SOUTH AFRICANS FIND ACCURATE EDUCATION NEWS AND INFORMATION?
- 9. AS EDUCATORS AND PARENTS CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THIS TOPIC, DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS?
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.
Why has the department of Basic Education chosen to focus on improving existing grades rather than introducing Grade 13?
Exclusive Interview: Clearing the Air on the Grade 13 rumours with Department of Education Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga
Archyde recently sat down with Elijah Mhlanga, spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education, to address the recent buzz about the introduction of Grade 13 in South African schools. Here’s what he had to say.
IS THERE ANY TRUTH TO THE GRADE 13 RUMOURS?
Elijah Mhlanga: “No, there is absolutely no truth to these rumours.I’ve seen them pop up on social media and various platforms, but I want to make it crystal clear that the Department of Basic Education has not announced or even discussed the implementation of Grade 13. It’s simply not happening,at least not in the foreseeable future.
WHAT’S YOUR MESSAGE TO SOUTH AFRICANS SPREADING THIS MISINFORMATION?
Elijah Mhlanga: “I urge everyone to verify data before sharing it. Just as something is on social media, it doesn’t make it true. We live in an era of ‘fake news,’ and it’s crucial that we, as responsible citizens, do our part to combat it. If you can’t find official confirmation from the department, then it’s likely not accurate.
WHERE CAN SOUTH AFRICANS FIND ACCURATE EDUCATION NEWS AND INFORMATION?
Elijah Mhlanga: “The best place to find accurate and up-to-date information is directly from the department. We have a official website (https://www.education.gov.za/) where we publish all our announcements and policies. Additionally, you can follow us on social media – we’re active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I personally manage our social media presence, so if it’s not on my handles, it’s not official.
AS EDUCATORS AND PARENTS CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THIS TOPIC, DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS?
Elijah Mhlanga: “I understand that the possibility of Grade 13 might be a source of concern or curiosity. Though, I want to assure everyone that we are focusing our efforts on improving the quality of education within our current grade structure. Instead of speculating about the future, let’s work together to enhance our education system as it is today. After all, that’s what truly matters – investing in our children’s education and well-being now.
That’s all from our interview with Elijah Mhlanga. Now it’s your turn,Archyde readers – do you think there’s a need for a Grade 13 in South africa? Share your thoughts in the comments below,or send a WhatsApp to 060 0011 021 1.
