DBE Refutes Claims of April School Closures

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has issued a firm statement dismissing widespread social media claims that public schools will close at the end of April, labeling the information as false and misleading.

According to the department’s announcement, rumors circulating online suggesting school closures on April 28, 29, and 30 have no factual basis. These dates fall squarely within the second term of the academic calendar and are not designated as public holidays or scheduled breaks.

“Teaching and learning will continue as normal during this period, in accordance with the officially approved 2026 school calendar,” the department stated. Officials confirmed that the second term runs from April 8 to June 26, 2026, and all public schools are expected to maintain regular operations throughout this period.

Education officials expressed concern about the potential impact of such misinformation on the education system. The department warned that false claims about school closures can significantly disrupt academic programs, negatively affect attendance rates, and create unnecessary confusion among parents, students, and educators alike.

“The spread of incorrect information regarding school schedules can have real consequences,” a department spokesperson explained. “When parents and students receive conflicting messages about whether schools are open, it undermines the stability of the academic environment and can lead to lost learning time.”

The proliferation of education-related misinformation has become a growing challenge for education authorities in recent years. Social media platforms allow rumors to spread rapidly, often outpacing official communications from government departments. This incident represents just one example of how educational institutions must increasingly combat false information that could disrupt learning.

In its statement, the DBE urged the public to exercise digital responsibility when engaging with education-related content online. Parents, guardians, and students were specifically cautioned against sharing unverified information about school schedules or closures without first checking official sources.

“We strongly encourage all stakeholders in education to verify information through official government channels before accepting or sharing claims about school operations,” the department stated. “This helps maintain the integrity of our education system and prevents unnecessary disruptions.”

The department has reinforced its commitment to protecting instructional time by maintaining the established school calendar. Officials emphasized that any legitimate changes to school schedules would be communicated through proper channels well in advance, allowing families adequate time to prepare.

For accurate information regarding school terms, holidays, and other important academic dates, the department advised the public to consult official government websites, school communications, and departmental publications. These sources provide verified information that has been properly vetted and approved by educational authorities.

Education experts note that maintaining consistent school schedules is particularly important as the education system continues to recover from learning losses experienced during pandemic-related disruptions in previous years. Unnecessary absences based on misinformation could further compound these challenges.

The DBE has established dedicated communication channels to address public queries about the school calendar and to combat the spread of false information. Parents with concerns about potential schedule changes are encouraged to contact their children’s schools directly or reach out to district education offices for clarification.

As the second term progresses, the department remains vigilant against misinformation while focusing on ensuring quality education delivery across the country’s public schools.