By Mapaballo Borotho
- The Department of Basic Education is inviting public comment on a proposed new History curriculum.
- The draft aims to decolonise education and change how History is taught in schools.
- The deadline for submissions is 19 April 2026.
The Department of Basic Education is calling on the public to comment on a draft History curriculum that aims to change how History is taught in South Africa.
The comment period for the draft, which applies to Grades 4 to 12, will close on Sunday, 19 April 2026. The proposed changes form part of efforts to rethink how History is taught in schools.
The department emphasised that the draft is not final and that public input will play a key role before any decisions are made.
The proposed curriculum includes the study of both ancient and modern history, the use of historical and archaeological sources, and aims to develop critical thinking and historical understanding among learners.
Members of the public can submit their comments either by post to the department’s Pretoria offices or via email.
Meanwhile, the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union has welcomed the draft, describing it as a progressive step towards strengthening the education system.
SADTU said the move could help shift the teaching of History away from a colonial and Eurocentric perspective, towards one that better reflects African experiences.
Spokesperson Nomusa Cembi added that the union hopes the draft will help address imbalances in the education system.
She further reiterated calls for History to be made a compulsory subject to promote national identity, social cohesion, and critical thinking.
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