School calendar: When do the December holidays start?

South African schools will officially close for the year on Wednesday, 11 December, marking the end of the fourth term. Learners and educators will enjoy an extended break before schools reopen on Wednesday, 15 January 2025, to kick off the new school year.

The upcoming December holiday provides families just over four weeks to prepare for 2025. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has also announced unique adjustments to next year’s calendar, including 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 additional days aim to bridge the gap between two public holidays in the same week—Freedom Day, observed on Monday, 28 April, and Workers’ Day on Thursday, 1 May.

The adjustments follow Section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, which states that when a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes 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 29 March to 7 April.
• Term 2: 8 April to 17 June, followed by holidays from 18 June to 8 July.
• Term 3: 22 July to 3 October, with a short holiday from 6 October 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 you think such adjustments benefit learners and educators, or do they pose challenges for working parents? 

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