The Department of Basic Education (DBE) dismissed reports that the schooling period in South Africa will be increased from 12 years to 25 years.
Various websites published a story about a week ago that claimed the schooling period would be increased. It said this was confirmed by the DBE minister Angie Motshekga that “12 years is not enough” and that most people with a matric do not know how to read, spell and write.
The rumour went viral on South Africans’ social media feeds
But the DBE rejected the reports, saying it wishes to distance itself from what it called a hoax news report.
A statement issued by the department on 12 July confirmed that these reports are “fake, misleading and do not represent any policy position of the South African Government especially the Department of Basic Education. All official communication surrounding any policy changes on basic education will be communicated directly by the Department of Basic Education through its official channels”.
If you would like to be updated on developments at the DBE, you can call 0800 202 933 or follow the department on its social media platforms on Facebook or Twitter @DBE_SA.
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