By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has amended the 2023 school calendar to accommodate the December 15 public holiday declared by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The DBE's acting director general, Dr Granville Whittle, issued a circular to the Departments of Tourism and Transport’s director generals, the heads of provincial education departments, district directors, educator unions, government body associations, and school principals about the amendment to the 2023 school.

Last month, Ramaphosa kept his promise to the nation and declared 15 December 2023, a public holiday to celebrate the Springboks victory.

Springboks won their fourth Rugby World Cup title after beating New Zealand by 12–11 last month in France.

"We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration, and unity. Our sportsmen and women have shown us what is possible," said Ramaphosa.

In the circular, Whittle said the public holiday on 15 December will impact the end of the fourth term.

"Teachers must remain for two days after the learners have closed in order to complete administrative tasks and planning for the following school year; therefore, the schools will close on Tuesday, 12 December for learners and Thursday 14 December for teachers," the acting director-general said.

Initially, the 2023 school calendar was supposed to have 199 school days for pupils and 203 school days for teachers.

The fourth term was going to end on Wednesday, 13 December for pupils and Friday, 15 December for teachers.

Notably, the 16th of December is already a public holiday in South Africa for the Day of Reconciliation  – but in 2023, it falls on a Saturday.