By: The Youth Voice Reporter
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that the 2025 National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric results will be published in accredited newspapers on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the DBE said the matric results will once again be published in an anonymised format, displaying only learners’ examination numbers and results, with no names, surnames or ID numbers included. This approach has been in place since 2022 and is aimed at balancing public access to results with the protection of learners’ personal information.
The announcement comes amid ongoing legal processes involving the Information Regulator, which has applied for leave to appeal a December 2025 ruling by a full bench of the Pretoria High Court. The court ruled that the publication of matric results using examination numbers does not violate the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and may continue, as has been the practice in recent years.
In 2024, the Information Regulator issued an enforcement notice preventing the DBE from publishing matric results in newspapers, arguing that results should instead be accessed through schools or secure platforms such as the DBE’s SMS service. However, the department maintains that it is legally obliged to publish the results in a pseudonymised format, in line with a court order issued on 18 January 2022, which remains in force.
“The publication of NSC results in accredited newspapers has long been an important and accessible method for learners and parents to obtain results timeously,” the DBE said. The department added that it will continue following the court-endorsed practice that ensures accessibility while safeguarding learners’ personal information.
The DBE has also confirmed that it will oppose the Information Regulator’s application for leave to appeal, stating that the move is in the best interests of learners, their families and the education sector. According to the department, the application has no reasonable prospects of success, given the legal clarity already provided by the courts.
At the same time, the DBE emphasised its respect for the Office of the Information Regulator and its constitutional mandate, noting that its legal opposition should not be interpreted as disrespect. The department said it values continued and constructive engagement with the regulator.
The DBE reiterated its commitment to legal compliance, learner protection, transparency and accessibility, while ensuring that the rights and dignity of every learner are respected.
Meanwhile, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule are expected to officially announce the 2025 matric results on Monday, 12 January 2026, ahead of their public release the following day.