School Holidays in South Africa 2023: Dates and Breaks

School Holidays in South Africa 2023; South African school holidays in 2023 will be an exciting time for students and parents alike. With the academic year broken up into four terms, students can expect to have a few breaks throughout the year to relax and recharge. The school holidays will also provide an opportunity for families to spend quality time together and explore the beautiful country of South Africa.

The school holidays in South Africa are set according to the national Department of Basic Education’s calendar. The academic year is divided into four terms, with each term lasting approximately ten weeks. The school holidays are typically two weeks long, with a longer break during the winter months. The 2023 school holiday dates have been released, and parents and students can start planning their vacations and activities.

Key Takeaways

South African school holidays are set according to the national Department of Basic Education’s calendar.
The academic year is divided into four terms, with each term lasting approximately ten weeks.
The 2023 school holiday dates have been released, and parents and students can start planning their vacations and activities.

Overview of School Holidays

South African schools have a well-structured academic year, which includes four terms and a few breaks in between. The year 2023 will have a total of 195 school days, including public holidays, weekends, and school holidays.

Public vs Private School Holidays

Public and private schools in South Africa have slightly different school holiday schedules. Public schools follow the national Department of Basic Education’s calendar, while private schools may have some flexibility in their holiday dates. However, most private schools also follow the national calendar, with a few exceptions.

General Structure of School Terms

Each term in the South African academic year has a specific number of school days, usually ranging from 45 to 60 days. The first term usually starts in mid-January and ends in late March, followed by a two-week break. The second term starts in mid-April and ends in late June, followed by a three-week winter break. The third term starts in mid-July and ends in late September, followed by a one-week break. The fourth term starts in mid-October and ends in early December, followed by a six-week summer break.

Here is a breakdown of the school holidays for the year 2023, according to the national Department of Basic Education’s calendar:

Holiday	Date
New Year’s Day	1 January
Public Holiday	2 January
Special School Holiday	20 March
Human Rights Day	21 March
Good Friday	7 April
Family Day	10 April
Freedom Day	27 April
Special School Holiday	28 April
Workers’ Day	1 May
Youth Day	16 June
National Women’s Day	9 August
Heritage Day	24 September

It is important to note that these dates are unlikely to be modified by the Department of Basic Education. However, it is always recommended to check back regularly for any updates that may occur.

2023 School Holiday Dates

South African school holidays are divided into four terms, each with its own break. The Department of Basic Education determines the dates of these breaks, which are the same for all public schools in the country. Private schools may have different dates.

First Term Break

The first term break for South African schools in 2023 will take place from March 20th to March 28th. This break includes a special school holiday on March 20th and Human Rights Day on March 21st.

Second Term Break

South African schools will have a two-week break for the second term from June 17th to July 2nd. This break includes Youth Day on June 16th.

Third Term Break

The third term break for South African schools will be from September 23rd to October 1st. This break includes Heritage Day on September 24th.

Fourth Term Break

The fourth term break for South African schools in 2023 will be from December 8th to January 15th. This break includes Christmas Day on December 25th and New Year’s Day on January 1st.

It is important to note that these dates may be modified by the Department of Basic Education. Please check their website here for any updates that may occur.

Government Policies on School Holidays

Department of Basic Education Guidelines

The Department of Basic Education in South Africa sets the national school calendar, which includes the dates for school terms and holidays. According to the Department’s guidelines, the school year is divided into four terms, with each term lasting approximately 10 weeks. There are three major breaks during the school year: a two-week break in June, a one-week break in September, and a six-week break in December and January.

The Department of Basic Education has released the official school calendar for 2023. The calendar includes all the important dates for the school year, including the start and end dates for each term, as well as the dates for public holidays and school holidays. ¹

Provincial Variations

While the Department of Basic Education sets the national school calendar, individual provinces may make slight variations to the calendar to accommodate local events or circumstances. For example, some provinces may have different dates for their winter and spring breaks, or they may have additional holidays that are specific to that province.

It is important for parents and students to check with their local schools or provincial education departments to confirm the exact dates of school holidays for 2023. They should also be aware of any changes or updates that may occur throughout the year.

In summary, the Department of Basic Education sets the national school calendar for South Africa, which includes the dates for school terms and holidays. While there may be slight variations between provinces, it is important for parents and students to check with their local schools or provincial education departments for the exact dates of school holidays.

School calendar | South African Government ↩

Planning for School Holidays

South Africa has a diverse range of school holidays in 2023, including public holidays, special school holidays, and term breaks. Families can use this time to bond, learn, and contribute to their communities. Here are some ideas for activities during school holidays in South Africa 2023.

Family Activities

School holidays are an excellent opportunity for families to spend quality time together. Families can plan trips to national parks, beaches, or museums to explore the country’s natural and cultural heritage. They can also participate in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or cycling. For those who prefer indoor activities, board games, movies, and cooking can be fun and educational.

Educational Programs

School holidays can also be used to enhance children’s learning through educational programs. Many organizations offer workshops, camps, and courses that cover a range of subjects, from science and technology to arts and culture. These programs can provide children with new knowledge, skills, and perspectives. Parents can research and enroll their children in programs that suit their interests and needs.

Community Services

School holidays can be an opportunity for children to give back to their communities. They can volunteer at local charities, participate in environmental projects, or help their neighbors with chores. These activities can teach children empathy, responsibility, and teamwork. Parents can encourage their children to identify and pursue community service opportunities that align with their values and passions.

In conclusion, school holidays in South Africa 2023 offer families a chance to bond, learn, and contribute to their communities. By planning for family activities, educational programs, and community services, children can make the most of their time off school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the start and end dates for the 2023 school terms in South Africa?

The 2023 school year in South Africa will be divided into four terms. The first term will start on Wednesday, 11 January 2023, and end on Friday, 24 March 2023. The second term will begin on Wednesday, 12 April 2023, and conclude on Friday, 23 June 2023. The third term will start on Wednesday, 19 July 2023, and end on Friday, 29 September 2023. Finally, the fourth term will begin on Monday, 9 October 2023, and conclude on Wednesday, 6 December 2023.

How long is the summer break for schools in South Africa during 2023?

The summer break for schools in South Africa in 2023 will be approximately six weeks long. Schools will close on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, and reopen on Wednesday, 17 January 2024.

What are the official public holidays affecting South African schools in 2023?

There are 12 public holidays in South Africa in 2023, and schools will be closed on each of these days. The public holidays in 2023 are New Year’s Day, Human Rights Day, Good Friday, Family Day, Freedom Day, Workers’ Day, Youth Day, National Women’s Day, Heritage Day, Day of Reconciliation, Christmas Day, and Day of Goodwill.

When do schools in the Eastern Cape close for holidays in 2023?

Schools in the Eastern Cape will close for holidays at the end of each term, according to the South African Department of Basic Education’s school calendar for 2023. The dates for the Eastern Cape are the same as those for the Coastal Cluster, which includes the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, and Western Cape provinces.

What are the school holiday periods for the Western Cape in 2023?

The school holiday periods for the Western Cape in 2023 are the same as those for the Coastal Cluster. Schools in the Western Cape will be closed for holidays from 24 March to 10 April 2023 for the first term, from 23 June to 17 July 2023 for the second term, from 29 September to 9 October 2023 for the third term, and from 6 December 2023 to 16 January 2024 for the fourth term.

What is the duration of the December holiday for South African schools in 2023?

The December holiday for South African schools in 2023 will be approximately four weeks long. Schools will close on Wednesday, 6 December 2023, and reopen on Wednesday, 17 January 2024.

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