The Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) has confirmed that it is all systems go for the 2025 Winter Vacation Classes. A total of 23 034 learners from underperforming schools – those that achieved below 80% in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) Examination – will attend these classes from June 30 to July 18.

The sessions will take place at 107 established centres across the province, including 15 residential sites. The department will provide scholar transport and meals to ensure learners have access to the programme.

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According to the DoE’s spokesperson, Gerald Sambo, these classes aim to help learners catch up on lost academic ground and will expose them to teaching strategies from the province’s most skilled and knowledgeable educators.

In a separate initiative targeting high achievers, the department is partnering with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants to run residential camps for selected talented learners.

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“These camps will run for five days and focus on mathematics, technical maths, physical science, technical physical science and accounting. Learners will write pre- and post-assessment tests to identify areas for improvement and support them in excelling in these subjects,” Sambo said.

The department has set a target of improving the 2025 NSC pass rate to 90%.