South African schools officially close on Wednesday 11 December, marking the end of the school year. Learners and educators will enjoy an extended break before schools reopen on Wednesday 15 January 2025 and a new school year begins.
For this the upcoming December holidays provide families with just over four weeks to prepare. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced unique adjustments to 2025’s calendar, such as special school holidays.
Special holidays in 2025
South Africa will have three special school holidays in 2025: 29 April, 30 April and 2 May. These aim to bridge the gap between two public holidays in the same week – Freedom Day, on Monday 28 April, and Workers’ Day on Thursday 1 May. The adjustments follow Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, which designates the Monday following the public holiday falling on a Sunday a public holiday.
Highlights of the 2025 School Calendar
The year comprises four terms, interspersed with school holidays and public holidays. Key dates include:
Term 1: 15 January to 28 March, with holidays from 31 March to 7 April.
Term 2: 8 April to 27 June, followed by holidays from 30 June to 21 July.
Term 3: 22 July to 3 October, with a short holiday from 6 to 10 October.
Term 4: 13 October to 10 December.
In addition to public holidays such as Heritage Day and Youth Day, learners will enjoy breaks, providing ample time for families to recharge.
Do such adjustments benefit learners and educators, or do they pose challenges for working parents?
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