Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has officially published the 2027 school calendar, confirming the term dates and holiday periods for public schools in South Africa.
I, Siviwe Gwarube, Minister of Basic Education, acting in terms of section 3(4)(k) of the National Education Policy Act, 1996 (Act No. 27 of 1996), and after consultation with the Council of Education Ministers, hereby publish the 2027 calendar for public schools in South Africa as detailed in the accompanying schedule.
2027 School Year Overview
The 2027 academic year will run from 13 January to 8 December, covering 201 school days over 42 weeks of teaching and examinations.
2027 School Terms
- Term 1: (11) 13 January – 19 March
- Term 2: 6 April – 25 June
- Term 3: 20 July – 22 September
- Term 4: 5 October – 8 (12) December
(Dates in brackets indicate when teachers officially start and end the academic year.)
Public Holidays in 2027
- 1 January – New Year’s Day
- 21 March – Human Rights Day
- 22 March – Public Holiday
- 26 March – Good Friday
- 29 March – Family Day
- 26 April – Special School Holiday
- 27 April – Freedom Day
- 1 May – Workers’ Day
- 16 June – Youth Day
- 9 August – National Women’s Day
- 24 September – Heritage Day
- 16 December – Day of Reconciliation
- 25 December – Christmas Day
- 26 December – Day of Goodwill
- 27 December – Public Holiday
How the School Calendar Is Determined
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) follows a structured process to finalise the school calendar each year. A draft is first created and shared with provincial education departments and key stakeholders for input.
A subcommittee then reviews the feedback, makes necessary changes, and submits the updated version to the Minister of Basic Education for public consultation. During this period, the public can provide comments and suggestions on the proposed calendar.
After the consultation phase, further refinements may be made before the calendar is sent to a review committee, which offers recommendations to the Council of Education Ministers. The council then makes the final decision.
Minister Approves 2027 School Calendar
Last month, the Minister of Basic Education approved the 2027 school calendar, which has now been made publicly available via the Government Gazette, the DBE website, and social media platforms.
