The Department of Basic Education has announced it will proceed with publishing the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results in accredited newspapers on Tuesday 13 January, despite ongoing legal challenges from the Information Regulator.
In a statement released on Wednesday 7 January, the department confirmed that results will be published in a pseudonymised format, displaying only examination numbers and results without learners’ names, surnames or identity numbers.
Court order mandate
The department maintains it is legally obligated to publish the results following this format, citing a court order granted on 18 January 2022 that expressly requires this approach. Officials emphasised that this order remains in force and provides clear legal authority for the publication.
“The publication of NSC results in accredited newspapers has long been an important and accessible method for learners and parents to obtain results timeously,” the department stated.
“We will continue to follow the established, court-endorsed practice of publishing the results without identifying learners in a manner that balances accessibility with the protection of personal information.”
Legal opposition
The department has confirmed it will oppose the Information Regulator’s application for leave to appeal, describing this stance as being “pursued in the best interests of learners, their families and the education sector.”
Officials expressed confidence that the appeal application has “no reasonable prospects of success, given the clarity already provided by the courts.”
Regulatory relations
Despite the legal opposition, the department was careful to emphasise its respect for the Information Regulator’s constitutional mandate. The statement clarified that opposing the appeal should not be interpreted as a lack of respect for the regulatory body.
“The Department values the Regulator’s role and looks forward to continued and constructive engagement,” officials noted, highlighting their commitment to maintaining professional relationships whilst defending their legal position.
The department concluded by reaffirming its commitment to “legal compliance, learner protection, transparency and accessibility, while ensuring that the rights and dignity of every learner are respected.”
