Bulelwa Hoala
- The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that the 2025 matric results will be published in accredited newspapers nationwide on 13 January 2026, using examination numbers only.
- The decision comes despite an ongoing court dispute with the Information Regulator, which argues that publishing results with exam numbers breaches POPIA.
- The DBE says it will oppose the appeal in the interest of learners and has reaffirmed that the practice is lawful, court-endorsed and necessary.
The Department of Basic Education has confirmed that the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results will be published in accredited newspapers nationwide on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
In a statement on Wednesday, 8 January, the DBE cited its dedication to easier access and reiterated that only the examination number will be published alongside the results of the learners.
“The publication of NSC results in accredited newspapers has long been an important and accessible method for learners and parents to obtain results timeously. We will continue to follow the established, court-endorsed practice of publishing the results without identifying leaners in a manner that balances accessibility with the protection of personal information,” the statement read.
This is in light of the ongoing court battle, which started in November 2024, during which the Information Regulator challenged the DBE for violating the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
The Information Regulator stated the practice of publishing matric results with examination numbers violates the POPIA Act because the examination numbers can still be used to indirectly identify learners.
The DBE argued that publishing results with examination numbers with no names, surnames or ID numbers doesn’t violate the POPIA Act because the general public can’t link it to a specific learner.
In December 2025, the Pretoria High Court dismissing the regulator’s arguments and confirmed the DBE may continue to publish results on public platforms, including newspapers) by using only exam numbers.
The Information Regulator has since appealed the High Court ruling, which is likely to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The DBE has confirmed its plans to oppose the application for leave to appeal by the Information Regulator emphasising that it’s opposition is not a sign of disrespect for the Information Regulator.
“This opposition is pursued in the best interests of learners, their families, and the education sector. The Department remains firmly of the view that the application has no reasonable prospects of success, given the clarity already provided by the counts,” the DBE stated.
Meanwhile, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Regina Mhaule are set to announce the NSC results for the class of 2025 on Monday, 12 January, at 4PM.
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