Nota suggests reducing school years from 12 to 8

There have been mixed reactions to a suggestion made by music producer, Nota Baloyi, and social media content creator, Penuel Mlotshwa, known as The Black Pen, that the country’s schooling system needs to be reformed.

In a series of posts on X, Baloyi says the years spent schooling should be cut down from 12 years to eight.

He says some grades need to be merged, also saving parents money in the process as the years of them paying school fees would be reduced.

Why must school be 12years? 8years at most… Grade 1-3 can be done in a year. Grade. 4-5 can also be done in a year. The you Make 6-12, 4-8. Kids will go to University at 14, qualify as Doctors at 18 & complete their first PhD by 21. Also, parents will save 4years of school fees!

— MORAL Authority (@lavidaNOTA) May 26, 2025

Adding his two cents, Mlotshwa referred to schools as fancy daycare centres.

School is a fancy daycare centre, while parents serve the system.

It’s also a good way to print money off parents/govt while keeping kids out of the money game for 22 to 25 years.

None of this is accidental.

I personally think kids should start working for money at age 10.

— Penuel The Black Pen (@GodPenuel) May 27, 2025

 

While some social media users support the duo’s idea, others have dismissed it as nonsensical.

Penuel wants kids to start working at 10 years old so he will be relieved of maintaining them.😅 pic.twitter.com/fZDmmFQxCL

— StoneCold (@stonezn) May 27, 2025

Why do I get deadbeat father vibes from these 2? pic.twitter.com/D80DkZGPlL

— Sheraaz Hassan (@sheraaz_hassan) May 27, 2025

Which research is this based on?

— KangTheConquer📍 (@Tinkzilli) May 27, 2025

Imagine making unemployment stats at the age of 15…

— Bee_Kay (@stoffel_bk) May 27, 2025

those 2 got a point though… they maybe a bit crazy but they are cooking here.. kids must start working at age 1

— Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers 👑 (@Candle_Kerese) May 27, 2025

Apertheid produced engineers with grade 8.
Today’s education with 15 years of studying graduates still rely on employment for a leaving. With the good quality education 8 year Olds can build phones like in China..

— P_PIENAAR (@UMntuNgabantu) May 27, 2025

Ja no 12 years is a lot. By the time you get to varsity you’re already tired.

— Sandy Gasekoma (@SandyTlang) May 27, 2025

This is a reason why I support the school exit certificate from grade 9 … school is not for everyone. Some people can’t handle the pressure of grade 12

— IG: xolani_khabazela (@Xolani_khabazel) May 27, 2025