The Department of Basic Education of South Africa recently informed the public that national schools would be closing down already on 5th February 2026. This declaration has raised concerns of parents and students as it affects the beginning of the year 2026 and necessitates everyone to make some changes into their plans in terms of family and schooling.
Goings-On for the February 2026 School Closure
Officials have mentioned that the decision to close down schools in February 2026 is just one step in a bigger effort geared toward introducing managed designs into the curriculum and learner wellness. They said that establishing a much more evenly spaced pattern of the terms will allow for maintaining teaching quality, giving children a time to recover early in the year, facilitating their arrangements for programs of formative assessment, and relieving the teacher workload.
Impacted Schools and Pupils
The closure affects all public primary and secondary schools across the country. While non-government and private schools are not obligated to follow the national calendar, most eventually will follow the revised dates for uniformity with families whose children attend different schools. Any additional instructions are expected to be given by departments of education from provinces, as required.
How Long School Will Be Closed
The closure for schools will be from Thursday, 5th of February 2026, with students returning to school the following weeks, thanks to provinces and individual schools. At length and with emphasis, the Department of Basic Education wishes to reassure everyone that the duration of the closure has been structured well not to unpack the total teaching time needed in the year.
Understanding the Period for Parents and Learners:
Parents are encouraged to have early plans for supervision and transportation to the school during the closure times. Schools shall communicate updated academic plans, to include any adjustments to the scheduled assessment dates or learning programmes. Learners, especially in examination grades, are advised to use the short break as an opportunity for revising their work at school and to continue engaging with their learning materials.
Implications for the 2026 Academic Calendar
The department has assured the public that the February closure is not a victim to the 2026 academic calendar. The revised calendar still complies with the minimum days required by law for the environment creation of further enhancing student wellness and maintaining academic standards in the country.