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File image: Matric candidate writing SACAI exam.
Lobby group AfriForum has emphasised the importance of publishing matric results in newspapers, highlighting the benefits for learners in rural areas with limited internet access.
The statement was made by AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, Alana Bailey, during a brief adjournment at the Pretoria High Court.
The Information Regulator (IR) has filed an urgent application to prevent the Department of Basic Education (DBE) from publishing the 2024 matric results in newspapers. AfriForum has joined the case as a friend of the court.
Bailey argues that publishing exam numbers without names strikes a balance between privacy and public interest, in line with a 2022 court ruling.
“Since 2014 the department started publishing only the examination numbers, so that already makes it very difficult for an outside person to know whose results those are, but at the same time the matriculants can easily access his or her information,” Bailey said.
Afriforum contends that newspaper publication of results protects privacy
The DBE maintains that its current approach does not violate learners’ privacy.
Department spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga explained that the decision to stop using learners’ names in newspapers was made in 2014.
“In 2014 we took a decision on our own to stop using the names of matriculants in newspapers. We have stuck with that, and there were no issues,” said Mhlanga.
He added, “When the POPIA Act came out, we made a decision to stop publishing, and AfriForum took us to court and won their bid.” Mhlanga says, “We then proceeded and there was no other legal matter. When we received the enforcement notice from IR we were given legal advice to appeal and we have done so. The processes were followed and served.”
Mhlanga stated that the department is adhering to the 2022 court judgment, and legal processes were followed after receiving the enforcement notice from the Information Regulator.
The Information Regulator previously imposed a R5 million fine on the DBE for failing to respond in time to the enforcement notice, arguing that the publication of results violates the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Matric results publication heads to court
