Week-Long School Closure Planned for South Africa from 28 April 2025

South African schoolchildren will enjoy an extended break, as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed a special holiday week for public schools from Monday, 28 April 2025, to Friday, 2 May 2025, following the Easter long weekend.

This closure, combining two public holidays with three additional non-instructional days, aims to streamline a week otherwise disrupted by multiple breaks.

The DBE has designated 28 April to 2 May 2025 as a non-instructional period for public schools, structured as follows:

• Monday, 28 April 2025: Public holiday, observed as the substitute day for Freedom Day (27 April), which falls on a Sunday. Per the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994), administered by the South African Government, a public holiday on a Sunday shifts to the following Monday.
• Tuesday, 29 April 2025: Special school holiday, declared by the DBE to connect the public holidays.
• Wednesday, 30 April 2025: Special school holiday, designated to ensure continuity of the closure.
• Thursday, 1 May 2025: Public holiday for Workers’ Day, a national holiday honouring labour contributions, as confirmed by the South African Government’s 2025 public holiday calendar.
• Friday, 2 May 2025: Special school holiday, concluding the week-long closure.

This schedule provides public school learners and educators a full week without classes.

The arrangement applies only to public schools under the DBE’s jurisdiction, as private schools may follow independent calendars. Parents should confirm schedules with their institutions.

The DBE introduced this holiday week to address the logistical challenges of a week interrupted by two public holidays (28 April and 1 May). According to the 2025 National School Calendar, published on 31 January 2023 and gazetted under the South African Schools Act (Act No 84 of 1996), the week would otherwise have only two instructional days (29 and 30 April), causing inefficiencies for schools and families. “By closing schools for the entire week, we minimise disruption and support consistent learning schedules,” said DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.

To meet the mandatory 200 instructional days required for the academic year, the DBE scheduled the 2025 school year to begin on 15 January 2025. This planning ensures compliance with educational regulations while addressing the April–May period effectively. The calendar, available at www.education.gov.za, was developed with input from provincial education departments and stakeholder groups, including the National Education Collaboration Trust.

For non-educational employees, only 28 April (Freedom Day observed) and 1 May (Workers’ Day) are statutory holidays, as noted on www.gov.za.

Employees aiming to align with the school holiday must take leave on 29 April, 30 April, and 2 May, potentially creating an eight-day break from 28 April to 5 May, according to the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), the agency handling public information.

The extended school closure impacts families and the economy significantly. The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) estimates that public holidays reduce national output by R4–7 billion daily, with additional school closures increasing costs like childcare or lost parental productivity.

However, the South African Tourism Agency (SAT), the national tourism authority, reports that the holiday week boosts domestic travel, as families take advantage of autumn weather (15–25°C in most regions) to visit destinations such as the Drakensberg, Cape Town, or iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Additionally, the GCIS advises parents to plan childcare or travel early due to high accommodation demand.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warns of potential heavy rainfall in areas like KwaZulu-Natal, urging travellers to check updates at to avoid disruptions, particularly on routes like the N3 and N2, where the Department of Transport will increase traffic patrols.

Looking at the above, the special holiday week for South Africa’s public schools from 28 April to 2 May 2025 provides a cohesive break, replacing a fragmented schedule.

What are your thoughts on the above? Share your views in the comment section below.