Class of 2025 Matric Results to be Published in Newspapers Next Week

Pretoria: The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has announced that the results of the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations will be published in accredited newspapers next Tuesday, 13 January 2026. On Wednesday, the DBE confirmed that the results will be presented in the same anonymised format as in recent years, which includes only examination numbers and results, without names, surnames, or ID numbers. According to South African Government News Agency, this decision follows the Information Regulator's move to seek permission to appeal a December ruling by a full bench of the Pretoria High Court. The court determined that matric results could be published on public platforms using candidates' examination numbers, as has been the practice since 2022. In 2024, the regulator issued an enforcement notice that prohibited the department from publishing matric results in newspapers, advocating for methods that comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), such as secure SMS servic es or results access through schools. The DBE stated that it is legally obligated to publish the results in a pseudonymised format, as per a court order issued on 18 January 2022. The order remains in effect, mandating this approach. The department emphasized that the publication of NSC results in accredited newspapers has been a crucial and accessible method for learners and parents to obtain results promptly. The department also confirmed its intention to oppose the Information Regulator's application for leave to appeal. It maintains that the appeal has no reasonable prospects of success, given the clarity provided by the courts. Despite this opposition, the department expressed high regard for the Office of the Information Regulator and its constitutional duties. The DBE reaffirmed its commitment to legal compliance, learner protection, transparency, and accessibility, ensuring the rights and dignity of every learner are respected. Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr. Regi nah Mhaule are set to announce the results of the Matric Class of 2025 on Monday, 12 January 2026.