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No, South Africa Is Not Introducing Grade 13 – DBE Confirms
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has dismissed viral claims that South Africa will introduce Grade 13 in 2026, calling the reports fake news. The department urged the public to rely on official sources for accurate information.
“Please be wary of fake news! There are no plans to add #Grade13 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 stated.
Please be wary of fake news! There are no plans to add #Grade13 to the South African schooling system. Official announcements by the Department of Basic Education are published on the DBE’s official communication platforms. pic.twitter.com/DtV75gMr2u
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) February 22, 2025
The false claim, which spread widely on social media, was fueled by TikTok user @garfieldzars. Despite the lack of evidence, the rumour gained traction, prompting the DBE to issue a warning about the dangers of misinformation.
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“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,” the department added.
Following the backlash, @garfieldzars clarified that his post was intended as a joke and admitted that the idea of a Grade 13 was unrealistic.
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“I know there is no Grade 13 coming. I just made the video because I thought it was funny. Obviously, there isn’t going to be a Grade 13. I am not an idiot,” he said.
He further pointed out the logistical impossibility of such a change, stating that it would disrupt the university admissions process for the following year.
The DBE continues to caution the public against believing unverified claims and encourages South Africans to check official channels for accurate updates on the education system.
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