DBE confirms 2025 Matric results will be published in newspapers amid legal battle

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 issued on Wednesday, 8 January, the DBE cited its commitment to accessibility and reiterated that only learners’ examination numbers will be published alongside their results.

“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 comes amid an ongoing court battle that began in November 2024, when the Information Regulator challenged the DBE, alleging that the practice violated the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

The Information Regulator has argued that publishing matric results using examination numbers breaches POPIA, as the numbers could still be used to indirectly identify learners.

However, the DBE has maintained that publishing results without names, surnames or ID numbers does not violate POPIA, as the general public cannot link the examination numbers to specific individuals.

In December 2025, the Pretoria High Court dismissed the regulator’s arguments and confirmed that the DBE may continue to publish results on public platforms, including newspapers, using examination numbers only.

The Information Regulator has since appealed the High Court ruling, a move that could see the matter taken to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

The DBE has confirmed that it will oppose the application for leave to appeal, emphasising that its decision should not be seen as a sign of disrespect towards 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.

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.