Pretoria: The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has welcomed a high court decision confirming the publication of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results in newspapers and across accredited media platforms, consistent with long-standing national practice.

According to South African Government News Agency, the judgment provides crucial legal clarity for learners, parents, institutions, and the media, following recent uncertainty regarding the publication of matric results. The High Court’s decision condoned the department’s late filing of the appeal and considered the matter on its merits, reassuring all stakeholders of the lawful dissemination of examination outcomes.

This decision came as the full bench of the Pretoria High Court set aside the Information Regulator’s Enforcement Notice, which sought to block the publication of matric results. The Enforcement Notice was issued against the DBE on 18 November 2024, following an assessment of how the department processes the personal information of learners taking matriculation exams.

The court further held that the established method of publishing NSC results does not constitute the processing of personal information as defined in the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Consequently, allegations of infringement of POPIA were dismissed, allowing the department to continue its practices without legal hindrance.

Additionally, the court upheld the department’s appeal, setting aside both the enforcement and infringement notices that had been previously issued. This ruling affirms the legality of the department’s long-standing dissemination practices and removes any residual ambiguity regarding the continued publication of NSC results.

The department expressed its appreciation for the clarity provided by the court, emphasizing that the ruling reinforces a results-access system that has, for decades, offered candidates, families, and post-school institutions equitable and reliable means of obtaining examination outcomes. The department also reiterated its confidence in the Information Regulator and acknowledged its essential role in safeguarding personal information across the Republic.