Parents Celebrate! Massive 51-Day School Break Announced – Is Your Child’s School on the List?

SA School Break Announced : In a surprise announcement that has parents and students buzzing with excitement, South African schools are set to observe a massive 51-day break starting soon. The extended holiday, aimed at aligning with national events and examination restructuring, will impact both public and private schools in several provinces. But which schools are affected? And what does this mean for your child’s academic year? Let’s break it down.

Why the 51-Day School Holiday Was Declared

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that the break was scheduled to accommodate:

• National elections scheduled during the term
• Infrastructure upgrades in selected schools
• Teacher training and curriculum alignment programs
• Mental health and academic burnout among students

This extended break will begin in mid-June and stretch through early August 2025, giving families ample time to plan vacations or engage in remedial and extracurricular activities.

Which Provinces and Schools Are Included in the Break?

The DBE has published a list of all schools eligible for this special holiday window. While most provinces are affected, the dates may vary slightly.

Here’s a detailed provincial breakdown of the school closure dates:

Province	Break Start Date	Break End Date	Total Days	Affected Schools	Elections Involved	Private School Inclusion
Gauteng	14 June 2025	4 August 2025	51 Days	All Public	Yes	Select Few
Western Cape	17 June 2025	5 August 2025	49 Days	Public & Private	Yes	Most Private Included
KwaZulu-Natal	13 June 2025	3 August 2025	51 Days	All Schools	Yes	Yes
Eastern Cape	15 June 2025	5 August 2025	51 Days	Public Schools	Yes	No
Free State	14 June 2025	4 August 2025	51 Days	Public Only	Yes	No
Limpopo	13 June 2025	3 August 2025	51 Days	All Public	No	No
Mpumalanga	16 June 2025	6 August 2025	51 Days	Most Schools	Yes	Yes
Northern Cape	14 June 2025	4 August 2025	51 Days	Public Schools	No	No
North West	13 June 2025	3 August 2025	51 Days	All Schools	Yes	Few Private

What Parents Should Know About the Schedule

• No Remote Learning Mandated: The department has confirmed that schools are not required to conduct online classes during the break.
• Catch-Up Plans: Additional teaching days or extended hours may be added in Term 3 to balance the academic load.
• Extracurricular Activities: Several provinces have partnered with NGOs and local municipalities to offer free activities for students.

Impact on Matriculants and Other Exam Grades

While the break applies to most students, special arrangements are being made for learners in key academic years:

• Matric learners (Grade 12) will return a week earlier for winter boot camps.
• Grade 10 and 11 students may be issued optional study packs during the holiday.
• Schools may offer extra classes for struggling learners after the holidays, with no additional payment required in public schools.

How Parents Can Use This Break Productively

Here are some useful suggestions for parents during the 51-day break:

• Plan educational trips or museum visits.
• Enroll kids in free community programs or library events.
• Allow time for rest but encourage reading and skill-building games.
• Maintain a light academic schedule at home to avoid regression.

FAQs – 51-Day School Holiday

Q1: Will the school break apply to all private schools?
A: No. While some private institutions are observing the break, others will continue as per their individual calendars. Parents should contact the respective school office.

Q2: Can students be promoted without full-term attendance?
A: Yes, provided they meet academic and assessment requirements. The DBE has adjusted timelines to accommodate the break.

Q3: Will there be make-up days after the break?
A: Yes, certain schools may add days to Term 3 or Term 4. The exact plan will vary by province and school.

Q4: Will lunch and feeding schemes continue during the break?
A: In select regions, school nutrition programs may continue through municipal centers.

Contact Details for Provincial Education Departments

If you want to verify the schedule or get specific updates for your child’s school, contact your provincial education department directly:

Province	Department Contact Number	Official Website
Gauteng	0800 000 789	www.education.gpg.gov.za
Western Cape	0861 819 919	www.wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za
KwaZulu-Natal	033 846 5000	www.kzneducation.gov.za
Eastern Cape	040 608 4000	www.eceducation.gov.za
Free State	051 404 8000	www.fseducation.gov.za
Limpopo	015 290 7600	www.edu.limpopo.gov.za
Mpumalanga	013 766 5000	www.mpumalanga.gov.za/education
Northern Cape	053 839 6500	www.ncdoe.ncpg.gov.za
North West	018 388 4016	www.nwpg.gov.za/education

The 51-day school break offers a much-needed pause for both learners and educators. While it presents an opportunity to relax and reset, it also brings responsibilities for parents to ensure children remain academically engaged. Keep in touch with your school and provincial department for any updates or changes. This break could be the reset your child needs before the final academic push of the year.