As the spring sun rises over South Africa on October 13, 2025, millions of students are dusting off their backpacks and heading back to classrooms for the fourth term. This return follows a refreshing mid-term break but comes amid viral rumors about altered school calendars and exam schedules, prompting the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to issue clear guidance. This article explores the smooth start of the fourth term, debunks exam hoaxes, offers stress-relief tips for matriculants, draws global academic parallels, and highlights education technology exchanges through BRICS partnerships.
The Fourth Term Kickoff: Returning from the Holidays
The fourth term officially begins on Monday, October 13, 2025, marking the final stretch of the academic year for South African public schools. After the third term ended on October 3, students across provinces are preparing for year-end exams and assessments. The DBE confirms that all schools will reopen as planned, with the term running until December 10 or 12, depending on the province.
This period is especially important for matriculants preparing for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams. Parents and educators are encouraged to create supportive environments to help students transition back smoothly. The holidays offered a much-needed break, allowing families to recharge amid South Africa’s vibrant spring weather, but now it’s time to focus on learning with renewed energy.
Debunking Viral Calendar Rumors: DBE’s Stance on Fake News
In the lead-up to the reopening, social media was filled with false claims about extended holidays and changed exam dates. One viral hoax suggested modifications to the fourth term start date, confusing parents and students. The DBE swiftly condemned such misinformation, emphasizing that the official 2025 school calendar remains unchanged.
Earlier in the year, fabricated stories about introducing a “Grade 13” and extended September breaks circulated online. Many of these rumors originate from AI-generated content on unreliable websites, highlighting the growing challenge of digital disinformation in education.
The DBE offers a practical guide to spotting exam hoaxes:
- Verify information through official DBE channels or verified social media accounts.
- Look for red flags such as poor grammar, sensational headlines, or unverified sources.
- Cross-check dates with the published school calendar, released as early as January 2023.
- Avoid sharing unconfirmed posts—report them instead to prevent further spread.
By staying vigilant, communities can ensure a hoax-free term, allowing focus on real educational priorities.
Tips for Matric Stress Relief in Gauteng
For Grade 12 learners, the fourth term brings heightened pressure as matric exams approach. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) notes that many students feel overwhelmed, with anxiety peaking around results time—but stress management can begin now.
- Maintain a Balanced Routine: Prioritize sleep (7-8 hours), healthy meals, and regular exercise to manage stress effectively.
- Effective Time Management: Use a study schedule with built-in breaks, applying techniques like the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5-minute break). Set small, achievable goals to avoid procrastination.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm nerves during intense revision periods.
- Seek Support: Talk to parents, teachers, or counselors. Resources like SADAG’s helpline (0800 567 567) offer free advice.
- Limit Distractions: Reduce social media time to focus on personal progress instead of comparing yourself to peers.
Parents play a vital role as well—encourage open communication and set realistic expectations to support students’ mental health.
Global Back-to-School Parallels
While South African students return in October, other parts of the world start their fall semester earlier. Both periods share the excitement of new beginnings: fresh supplies, reunions with friends, and anticipation of academic challenges.
Seasonal differences aside, the academic rhythms are similar. Orientation weeks, campus activities, and early assignments are common globally, while year-end exams require adjustment strategies like those recommended for Gauteng learners.
BRICS Horizons: Education Tech Exchanges
Amid local reopenings, South Africa is expanding its educational footprint through BRICS partnerships, with initiatives in vocational education and technology fostering innovation and skill development.
Recent programs, such as the BRICS Young Scientist Exchange Program and seminars on standardization in tech skills, aim to empower future innovators across member nations. Students benefit from scholarships and exchanges, promoting cross-cultural learning and technology integration in classrooms.
Conclusion: A Term of Focus and Opportunity
As schools reopen, the emphasis is on clarity, resilience, and growth. By debunking hoaxes, managing stress effectively, and embracing global education initiatives, students can thrive. This fourth term offers opportunities for progress, learning, and confident returns to the classroom.