By Thapelo Molefe
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has rolled out its annual spring classes programme to support the Class of 2025, targeting schools that performed below 80% in last year’s National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The intensive week-long programme, running from Monday to Friday, is being implemented across 159 schools through 99 Day Centres and six Residential Centres, reaching a total of 19 688 Grade 12 learners across the province.
According to the department, the spring classes aim to strengthen learner performance in the build-up to the final NSC examinations, which are set to commence on 23 October.
To ensure the initiative delivers tangible results, the department said it had appointed some of the province’s top-performing teachers to assist learners with challenging curriculum content and to equip them with effective examination techniques. Learners will also sit for pre- and post-tests to measure the impact of the intervention.
The programme focuses on 11 high-enrolment subjects, ensuring that learners receive targeted support in critical academic areas. In addition to academic assistance, school nutrition will be provided at all centres, and scholar transport will be arranged where necessary to ensure accessibility for all participants.
Monitoring and quality assurance of the programme will be undertaken by district and head office officials, who will track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.
The department said the spring classes form a key component of its learner support improvement plan, designed to uplift academic performance across the province. In 2024, Mpumalanga recorded an 84.99% pass rate.
The department said it is determined to surpass that achievement in 2025.
The province’s education MEC, Lindi Masina, has encouraged learners to take full advantage of the programme and called on parents and communities to provide strong support systems at home.
“We call on everyone in the province to play their part in supporting the Class of 2025. Let us create conditions that place Mpumalanga firmly on a path of success,” Masina said.
“To our learners: every hour of preparation counts. Stay focused, remain disciplined, and do not allow anything to distract you from your goals. You carry our hopes, and we believe in your ability to excel.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
