We have been extended the next month to comment on the policies affecting the study of history, History in local schools. It was supposed to be closed on Sunday to comment on the policies affecting this course, but the Minister of Basic Education, Ms. Siviwe Gwarube, extended the time.
The department wants people to comment on the goals in this course, from Grade 4 to Grade 12.
The spokesperson of the department, Mr. Terence Khala, said that we have extended 30 days, the time for the public to comment on the policies.
“Now it will be closed on May 19, 2026 to receive public comments on the policies. We did this after there were many, who still wanted the opportunity to comment,” he said.
He encouraged those who still want to comment to do so immediately.
“We as a department want this course to teach students to think in a different way, and they are also taught about the history of the country.”
The Sadtu teachers’ union wants to focus on teaching about African history. This union still insists that it wants this course to be compulsory for all students.
The Secretary General of Sadtu, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, said they have been saying that they want to focus on teaching about the history that affects the continent of Africa, not foreign countries.
“We want to focus on teaching about things that affect Africa, rather than focusing more on things that affect European countries. We hope that these policies that have been issued to the public, which we will comment on about History, will specify that this course should be made compulsory.”
He said if the course is compulsory, it will make the students know where they come from and what is happening in their country.
Those wishing to comment may write to: Director-General, address: Florence Modipa, Chief Education Specialist: Curriculum Policy, Department of Basic Education, 222 Struben Street, Pretoria, 0001; or send them to: Department of Basic Education, Private Bag X895, Pretoria, 0001; or email them to:(email protected).