The Winter Vacation Classes for Grade 12 learners has officially run from 07 July to 18 July 2025, as part of the Department of Education’s continued efforts to enhance learner performance across Mpumalanga.

Targeting 23,034 learners from schools that achieved less than an 80% pass rate in the 2024 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, the programme aims to bridge learning gaps and better prepare learners for their final exams.

The initiative kicked off with a monitoring visit by Department officials to Lekazi Central Secondary School in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality on 07 July,Additional site visits will take place across the province to offer further support and encouragement.

To ensure a conducive learning environment, the Department will provide daily meals and scholar transport to qualifying learners. The programme will also be facilitated by some of the most experienced and top-performing teachers, carefully selected for their strong academic track records. Their expertise is expected to introduce learners to effective teaching strategies and fast-track their academic recovery.

These Winter Vacation Classes follow the successful Residential Camps held during the week of 30 June 2025. Inspired by the positive outcomes of those camps, the Department is optimistic that the same commitment and enthusiasm will be present at all 107 learning centres province-wide.

The ultimate goal is to raise the provincial matric pass rate to 90%. The Department calls on parents, guardians, and school communities to actively support and motivate learners throughout this important period.