# summary - Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/ - Published: 2026-05-05T18:29:44+02:00 - Author: dearSA _Advert_ _Advert – scroll down_ [ have your say](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/#havasay) ### Shaping Our Story: The Future of History Education in South Africa The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has released a comprehensive new draft for the History Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) for Grades 4 through 12. This proposed overhaul is the result of a multi-year review process initiated by a Ministerial Task Team in 2019 to transform the curriculum into one that reflects the values of the South African Constitution. [Why Is This Changing?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1738150189952-44103674-e29d31d9-c3be5520-25430957-c992) The new curriculum seeks to move away from a “narrowly focused” and Eurocentric framework to develop a global historical consciousness viewed specifically from the vantage point of Africa. It aims to move beyond rote learning and mastery of dates toward a disciplined, enquiry-based approach that teaches students how to think like historians. [Key Highlights of the Draft Proposals](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1738150189975-5d0623dc-47dc31d9-c3be5520-25430957-c992) The proposed amendments, detailed in documents such as “[260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_10_-12.pdf](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05161025/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_10_-12.pdf)“,“ [260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_7_-_9.pdf](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05160814/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_7_-_9.pdf)“, and “[260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_4_-_6.pdf](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05160453/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_4_-_6.pdf)“, include: - _African-Centred Perspective: _ A primary focus on the “long past” of the African continent and its ancient connections to the world. - _New Methods of Evidence: _ The intentional inclusion of archaeology and oral history to recover voices and perspectives that were historically marginalised. - _Critical Engagement: _ Encouraging students to interrogate why certain versions of history are constructed and what roles they play in public memory. - _Specific Case Studies: _ In-depth studies of ancient civilisations like Mali, Ethiopia, and Great Zimbabwe, alongside modern political history and the birth of South African democracy. [The Points of Controversy](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1738150854013-bb98f5fb-7d0931d9-c3be5520-25430957-c992) As noted in the official statement below, the DBE acknowledges that some groups have raised concerns regarding: - _Omissions: _ Whether certain vital elements of South African or world history are being excluded. - _Balance: _ The tension between the new African-centred approach and existing historical narratives. - _Sequencing: _ Whether the complexity of topics is appropriate for the assigned grade levels. ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05182715/DEPARTMENT_OF_BASIC_EDUCATION_INVITES_PUBLIC_COMMENT_ON_THE_DRAFT_NEW_HISTORY_CURRICULUM_AND_ASSESSMENT_POLICY_STATEMENTS.pdf) [Download [263.42 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05182715/DEPARTMENT_OF_BASIC_EDUCATION_INVITES_PUBLIC_COMMENT_ON_THE_DRAFT_NEW_HISTORY_CURRICULUM_AND_ASSESSMENT_POLICY_STATEMENTS.pdf) The Minister of Basic Education has explicitly stated that there are **“no preconceived outcomes”** for this process and that public participation will shape the final curriculum. Originally set for April, the deadline for public comment has been extended to 19 May 2026 to ensure as many voices as possible are heard in this matter of national importance. ### _Questions and answers_ [Is History becoming a compulsory subject for all students until Matric (Grade 12)?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1763554389233-fdb8fee6-6da45520-25430957-c992) - No. According to the draft policy for the FET phase (Grades 10–12), History remains an elective subject. - Learners are still required to take four compulsory subjects (Languages, Mathematics/ Maths Literacy, and Life Orientation) and then choose a minimum of three elective subjects from “Group B,” which includes History. - History is only compulsory as part of the Social Sciences curriculum for Grades 4 through 9. [Is the Department removing European history, the Dutch settlement, and Boer history?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1763554389265-aa09206a-77665520-25430957-c992) - No. The draft explicitly includes these topics. - For example, Grade 7 includes the “Settlement by the Dutch East India Company” and the role of Jan van Riebeeck. - Grade 8 covers the Industrial Revolution in Britain, and Grade 9 covers World War II and the Holocaust. - Grades 11 and 12 specifically cover the “First Anglo-Boer War,” the “South African War,” and the rise of “Afrikaner Nationalism”. [What does "African-centred" history actually mean?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1763554389298-fbc55a3c-817c5520-25430957-c992) - It is defined as a shift in “vantage point”. The goal is to view global events from the perspective of Africa rather than solely through the lens of the “ global North” or “Eurocentric frameworks”. - The curriculum aims to show that Africa has a “long past” that was connected to global trade and innovation long before the 1500s. [Does the new curriculum abandon logic and evidence-based reasoning?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1771840733358-e4b2d08e-b2260957-c992) - No. One of the core objectives is for students to present outcomes in “logical, well-structured written and oral forms”. - The framework is built on “Historical thinking,” which requires learners to“ evaluate interpretations” and use “disciplined use of evidence to defend a line of argument”. - Students are specifically assessed on their ability to identify “bias, propaganda, and ideology” in historical sources. [Is "Oral History" a reliable way to teach, or is it just storytelling?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1771840767171-e194ee95-bf820957-c992) - The curriculum treats oral history as a formal methodology. - It is used to recover the voices of marginalized groups (such as women and the working class) whose experiences were often omitted from official colonial written records. - The draft expressly states that written colonial and apartheid archives, “ read critically,” remain essential repositories of history alongside oral traditions. [Some say this is "indoctrination" or "social engineering." How does the curriculum address this?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1777998976728-68294eda-30e0) - The draft curriculum prioritizes “multi-perspectivity”. - This teaches students that different people understood events differently in the past and that “different versions of history arise or are constructed”. - The goal is to teach students to “interrogate why and how history is written” rather than just accepting a single narrative. [What if I feel specific historical events are being under-emphasised?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/#1777999038986-db43ec31-3bd7) - The Department of Basic Education has explicitly welcomed submissions on “ scope, balance, and content coverage”. - The Minister has stated that there are “no preconceived outcomes” and that public voices will shape the final product. The Government Notice ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05184125/260320New_History_CAPS.pdf) [Download [214.74 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05184125/260320New_History_CAPS.pdf) Amended Grades 4 to 6 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05160453/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_4_-_6.pdf) [Download [1.59 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05160453/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_4_-_6.pdf) Amended Grades 7 to 9 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05160814/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_7_-_9.pdf) [Download [1.76 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05160814/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_7_-_9.pdf) Amended Grades 10 to 12 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05161025/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_10_-12.pdf) [Download [1.90 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/05161025/260320AMENDED_CAPS_DOC_HISTORY_GRADE_10_-12.pdf) ### _Statements and media releases_ Click on a logo to view. Want to display your organisation’s statement? [Click here. ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/new-history-curriculum/summary/ history@dearsouthafrica.co.za?subject=org info for History curriculum info page) ![click to view statement](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/ 2025/11/28075733/Logo-New-smaller-1.png "Logo, New smaller") Close ### Cape Independence Party ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/14115112/CAPS-Rejected-by-CAPEXIT.pdf) [Download [195.19 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/14115112/CAPS-Rejected-by-CAPEXIT.pdf) ### _In the News_ - The Common Sense — [“It Wasn’t Me” Says Gwarube Over History Curriculum Fracas](https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/it-wasn-t-me-says-gwarube-over-history-curriculum-fracas) - The Common Sense — [New History Curriculum Risks Turning Inward as Global Content Cut](https://www.thecommonsense.co.za/Politics/new-history-curriculum-risks-turning-inward-as-global-content-cut) - Polity — [Gwarube flags ‘misinformation’ as deadline for comments on new history curriculum looms](https://www.polity.org.za/article/gwarube-flags-misinformation-as-history-curriculum-deadline-looms-2026-04-14) - SA Jewish Report — [A deeper look at the proposed new history curriculum](https://www.sajr.co.za/a-deeper-look-at-the-proposed-new-history-curriculum/) - IOL — [New SA history curriculum: What’s changing — and what could quietly disappear](https://iol.co.za/news/education/2026-04-14-new-sa-history-curriculum-whats-changing--and-what-could-quietly-disappear/) - Daily Maverick — [Have your say as draft history curriculum recasts the past through an African lens](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-04-19-have-your-say-as-draft-history-curriculum-recasts-the-past-through-an-african-lens/) - Cape Times —[ What changes are coming to South Africa’s history curriculum?](https://capetimes.co.za/weekend-argus/news/2026-04-14-what-changes-are-coming-to-south-africas-history-curriculum/) - George Herald — [Input window extended for history curriculum debate](https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/National-News/input-window-extended-for-history-curriculum-debate-202604290217) - SMF News — [SU voices criticise new history curriculum](https://www.smfnews.org/su-voices-criticise-new-history-curriculum/) - News24 — [Johan Fourie | SA’s history curriculum asks what humans ate. It should ask why we stopped starving](https://www.news24.com/business/opinion/johan-fourie-sas-history-curriculum-asks-what-humans-ate-it-should-ask-why-we-stopped-starving-20260430-1099) - Times Live — [Public comment period for new history curriculum extended to May](https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2026-04-21-public-comment-period-for-new-history-curriculum-extended-to-may/) **Cape Talk.** John Maytham interviews Esme van Deventer, an education anthropologist about the proposed changes to the education history curriculum, which will include a more Afro-centric approach. **News24.** “In time, we shall be in a position to bestow on South Africa the greatest possible gift – a more human face.”Who said that? The late great Steve Biko, of course. But you may be a little disheartened to hear that Biko and the Black Consciousness Movement may be, to some extent, less of a focus in future school history studies, if the Basic Education Ministry’s proposed revision of the history curriculum for grades 4 to 12 is finally approved. The 1652 Jan van Riebeeck tale may also enjoy less impetus should the revision, as gazetted, get the go-ahead, reports our education journalist, Prega Govender, in this edition. On that note, the long and winding Trans-Kalahari highway opened on this day in SA History in 1998, our daily show segment. **Newzroom Afrika.** A proposed revamp of South Africa’s history curriculum has sparked debate over which events should be included. Critics fear key colonial topics may be dropped, while supporters back a shift toward African perspectives, pre-colonial history, and resistance movements. Prof.Paul Maluleka, Lerato Lufuno Monguni and Dr Lindie Koorts weigh in. **eNCA.** The history curriculum for Grades 4 to 12 may be overhauled. It will reflect on Africa’s rich pre-colonial history and the stories of liberation movements. Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has gazetted a draft curriculum. Parliament is encouraging people to make public comments. **SABC News.** South Africa’s proposed new school history curriculum is set to place stronger emphasis on African history, local experiences and critical thinking skills. This comes as the Department of Basic Education has published a draft version of the revised Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement for History, now open for public comment, outlining a move toward broader, more inclusive historical content. To talk more about this we are joined by Professor Ntsoaki Malebo who is the Dean at the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences at the Central University of Technology and Terrence Khala who is the spokesperson for the Department of Basic Education **Willem Petzer.** There has been a lot of talk about the new Afrocentric Curriculum to indoctrinate children in South African Schools. But what exactly is it, and what will they be taught?