No increase in school years, says dept

© Roman Iegoshyn – 123RF.com

The hoax news report, which has been circulated on social media platforms, claims that Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said 12 years is not enough and 13 more years will be added to the schooling period from 2017.

“The Department of Basic Education can confirm that these reports are fake, misleading and do not represent any policy position of the South African government, especially the Department of Basic Education,” said spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga on Tuesday, 12 July 2016.

Mhlanga said all official communication surrounding any policy changes on basic education will be communicated directly by the Department of Basic Education through its official channels.

Vuwani matrics start exams

Meanwhile, matriculants from the troubled Vuwani area in Limpopo have started writing their mid-year examinations.

Provincial spokesperson Naledzani Rasila said the learners started on Monday when they sat for Life Orientation and English papers.

“Writing on the first two days went smoothly and it is anticipated that ... [they] will ... finish as scheduled,” said Rasila

About 1,985 matriculants were taken to three different camps in the wake of tensions in Vuwani and surrounding villages.

They had not been to school for more than three months following the outbreak of violence in May, resulting in nearly 30 schools being torched and damaged.