The Department of Basic Education has published a new draft History Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for grades 4 to 12, adopting an African-centred approach away from Eurocentric narratives. Minister Siviwe Gwarube extended the public comment period by 30 days to May 19, 2026, citing strong public interest. Stakeholders praise the decolonisation effort but note concerns over content depth and representation.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) released the draft CAPS, influenced by Unesco's General History of Africa. It aims to reconstruct history through a multidisciplinary lens, emphasising Africa's past and global connections, without settling scores against colonialism.
For younger grades, the curriculum starts with personal heritage in Grade 4, early innovations in Grade 5, and ancient histories including Egypt and the Kingdom of Mali in Grade 6. Higher grades cover pre-colonial southern Africa, the minerals revolution, resistance movements, imperialism, apartheid, and the 1994 transition, questioning the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's accountability.
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (Sadtu) called it a “progressive and timely intervention” and renewed calls for History to be compulsory. Historian Zikhona Valela praised its comprehensiveness but criticised limited representation of women, non-ANC movements, and LGBTQ roles, plus outdated terms like “chiefs” instead of “inkosi”.
Lufuno Lerato Monguni, chairperson of the South African Society for History Teaching, welcomed the shift but warned the content is “jam-packed”, risking superficial teaching. Department spokesperson Terrence Khala said the extension to May 19 ensures broad participation with no preconceived outcomes.
