Basic Education: Draft History CAPS Amendments and Comment Deadline Extension

Posted 15 April 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Education

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: The Department of Basic Education has released draft revisions to the history curriculum for Grades 4 to 12 and extended the public comment period.

In terms of a notice gazetted on 20 March 2026, the Department of Basic Education has published draft revised history Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) for Grades 4 to 12. This publication initiates a formal consultation process regarding the content and assessment criteria for history education in South African schools.

By way of a further notice gazetted on 30 April 2026, the Department has extended the deadline for public commentary. Originally set for 19 April 2026, the period for submissions now closes on 30 May 2026. This extension follows significant public interest and a media statement from the Minister of Basic Education regarding the ideological neutrality and critical thinking objectives of the proposed changes.

The draft revisions are the latest step in a multi-year curriculum review process. The Department seeks to ensure that the history curriculum:

  • Does not exclude key events or perspectives on political grounds;
  • Avoids imposing any particular ideology on learners; and
  • Equips learners to think critically about the past to form independent opinions.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide substantive submissions indicating specific areas where the draft should be strengthened, corrected, expanded, or refined.

Click here to download the notice extending the commentary deadline to 30 May 2026.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligation; however, professionals in the education and legal sectors should note the revised timeline for policy influence.
  • For your business: Educational institutions, private schools, and curriculum development firms must assess the draft CAPS to determine the impact on future teaching materials and internal assessment frameworks.
  • For your clients: Clients in the publishing and education sectors should be advised to submit formal commentary by the 30 May 2026 deadline to mitigate risks associated with curriculum shifts.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/basic-education-proposed-changes-to-history-curriculum-unpacked

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