As in years past, matrics across the country will once again make a beeline for the newspapers on the morning of Tuesday 13 January to find out what their results are.
The Department of Basic Education said on Wednesday (7 January) the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results will be made available to accredited newspapers for publication. This will be in the same format used in recent years that will not identify learners. Only the examination numbers and results will be published, with no names, surnames or ID numbers.
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, will announce the outcome of the matric exams on Monday 12 January, with individual results being announced on Wednesday 13 January.
“In line with our commitment to the rule of law, the Department of Basic Education is of the view that it is legally obliged to publish the results in this pseudonymised format, as the court order granted on 18 January 2022 expressly requires this approach. This order remains in force,” the department said yesterday in a statement.
By publishing the results in newspapers, it makes them more easily accessible for learners and parents. The department said it will continue to follow the court-endorsed practice of publishing the results without identifying learners in a manner that balances accessibility with the protection of personal information.
Legal challenge continues
The Information Regulator applied for leave to appeal the court’s decision in December, and the department has indicated that it will oppose this. “The Department remains firmly of the view that the application has no reasonable prospects of success, given the clarity already provided by the courts.”
The High Court ruled on 12 December that the Department is lawfully authorised to publish the NSC results across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.
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This ruling upholds the established method of publishing NSC results, saying it does not constitute the processing of personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). As such, allegations of infringement of POPIA fall away, the department said.
The department said that it holds the highest respect for the Office of the Information Regulator and its constitutional mandate.
