Messages circulating on social media about the start of the third school term being delayed due to Mandela Day activities are fake, says the Department of Basic Education. Schools will reopen on the 17th of July as planned, the department said.
The public has been warned to ignore and delete the fake message which has spread confusion amongst parents. The department has assured parents that any communication regarding school terms and holidays would be made through official channels.
The fake message, which purports to be from the office of the Presidency, reads:
“Att: District Directors
Circuit Managers
Principal/Deputy
HoD's
Educators
Parents /Learners
We would like to inform you about the school re-opening changes. We have shifted it to the 19th due to Mandela day. And there will be lot of things happening.
Forward the message to everyone.”
"We expect all our learners and educators alike to report for duty as scheduled in order to commence the third term without any further delays.
The Mandela and Sisulu Centenary celebrations will proceed without causing disruptions in schools. Both Mandela and Sisulu were committed to playing their part to ensure that all young people in South Africa access education without disturbances," the department said.
Members of the public who receive the message, which the department says is "contrary to what both our late leaders stood for", have been advised to "inform the sender that it is fake news and delete the message to ensure that further confusion is averted".