Recently, false claims have been circulating on social media, alleging that the South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) is set to introduce Grade 13 in schools from January 1, 2026. The misinformation suggests that high school will be extended and that matriculants of 2025 will be the first to experience this supposed new system.
However, the DBE has officially confirmed that these claims are false, stating that there are no plans to add a Grade 13. South Africans are urged to rely only on official government sources for educational updates and avoid falling victim to misleading online content.
What Is the False Claim?
The false reports claim that:
- The DBE is introducing Grade 13 in 2026, making high school consist of six grades instead of the current five (Grades 8-12).
- Matric 2025 learners will move on to Grade 13 in 2026.
- A plan exists to add a grade every four years, which would result in a 14-grade high school system in the future.
These rumors have been widely spread on TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp, misleading thousands of people.
The Truth: No Grade 13 in South Africa
The Department of Basic Education has addressed these claims, making it clear that they are false. In an official statement, the department said:
“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.”
The department has urged the public to verify information before sharing it.
The Dangers of Fake News in Education
Fake news in education can have serious consequences. It can:
- Confuse learners and parents – False information may cause unnecessary panic about future schooling.
- Distract from real issues – Instead of focusing on actual educational improvements, time is wasted on debunking misinformation.
- Damage the credibility of real news – When people are constantly exposed to fake news, they may struggle to trust legitimate sources.
To combat the spread of misinformation, always verify news with official sources like the Department of Basic Education’s website, government announcements, or reputable news platforms.
How to Spot Fake News
To avoid falling for fake educational news, consider the following:
- Check the source – Is it an official government statement or a random social media post?
- Look for grammatical errors – Fake news posts often contain poor grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Compare with trusted media – If no major news outlets are reporting on it, it is likely false.
- Visit the official website – The DBE’s website (www.education.gov.za) will always have authentic updates.
- Be wary of sensationalist language – Posts that use “Good News South Africa!!” or “Breaking!!” without official confirmation are often fake.
Official Response from the Department of Basic Education
The DBE has emphasized that South Africans should not fall for misinformation and disinformation.
“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.”
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What Does This Mean for Learners?
- Matric (Grade 12) remains the final year of high school.
- The current education system will not change to include Grade 13.
- The National Senior Certificate (NSC) will continue to be awarded in Grade 12.
- Learners should focus on existing academic programs, instead of worrying about fake policies.
Where to Find Legitimate Education News?
To stay informed, always refer to these official sources:
- Department of Basic Education website: www.education.gov.za
- DBE Twitter (@DBE_SA) and Facebook page
- Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Grade 13 is NOT coming to South African schools. This is nothing more than a hoax designed to create confusion. The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that no changes will be made to the structure of high school education.
Always verify your information before sharing it online, and remember: if it sounds too shocking or unrealistic, it’s probably fake!
