By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Mpumalanga Department of Education on Monday launched 89 learning centres across the province for its 2026 Winter Vacation Classes, which will run until 17 July to help improve Grade 12 learners’ performance ahead of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
The department said the programme is designed to help the Class of 2026 master difficult curriculum content, improve examination techniques and contribute to a higher provincial pass rate.
The classes will be led by high-performing teachers with a proven track record of producing strong learner results.
“Through this intervention, learners will benefit from the expertise of experienced subject specialists who will reinforce difficult curriculum topics, provide examination preparation strategies and guide learners on how to effectively respond to examination questions,” the department said.
“Learners will write both pre-tests and post-tests to assess the impact.”
The Winter Classes will focus on gateway and high-enrolment subjects, including English First Additional Language (FAL), Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and Agricultural Sciences.
The department said particular attention would be given to learners from technical schools, where additional academic support is needed following the introduction of these subjects into the curriculum.
To maximise participation, the department will provide transport and school nutrition to qualifying learners.
“We call upon School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to work closely with schools and encourage parents and guardians to ensure that learners attend all Winter Classes,” the department said.
“Their support will also be important in strengthening oversight, promoting discipline and safeguarding school facilities throughout the programme.”
The department said it was confident the intervention would improve learner achievement and strengthen the province’s performance in the 2026 NSC examinations.
It has set a target of achieving a 91% pass rate, building on the 86.55% pass rate recorded by the Class of 2025, with a particular focus on improving learner performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.
The department cited Education MEC Lindi Masina’s 2026 Policy and Budget Speech, in which she reaffirmed the department’s commitment to academic excellence.
“Our target is to achieve a 91% pass rate across the board, with a significant improvement in STEM subjects,” Masina said.
“We are encouraged by the solid foundation laid by the impressive 86.55% pass rate achieved by the Class of 2025 in the National Senior Certificate examinations.”
“Indeed, the Class of 2025 surpassed all expectations, demonstrating the resilience of our learners, the commitment of our educators and the positive impact of our education system.”
The department wished all Grade 12 learners well and encouraged them to take full advantage of the Winter Classes as they prepare for the 2026 National Senior Certificate examinations.
