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 announced that the results will be presented in the same anonymised format as in recent years, which includes only examination numbers and results – no names, surnames, or ID numbers will be included.
This comes in light of the Information Regulator’s decision to seek permission to appeal a December ruling by a full bench of the Pretoria High Court, which determined that matric results could be published on public platforms using candidates’ examination numbers, as had been done since 2022.
In 2024, the regulator issued an enforcement notice that prohibited the department from publishing the matric results in newspapers.
Instead, it stated that the results should be shared in ways that comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), such as allowing students to access their results through their schools or via a secure SMS service from the DBE.
READ | Department welcomes High Court judgement on the publishing NSC results
However, the DBE stated that, in accordance with its commitment to the rule of law, it is legally required to publish the results in a pseudonymised format.
The department said this requirement is based on a court order issued on 18 January 2022, which specifically mandates this approach.
“This order remains in force,” the statement read.
According to the department, 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 learners in a manner that balances accessibility with the protection of personal information.”
Meanwhile, the department further confirmed that it will oppose the application for leave to appeal by 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 courts.
“At the same time, the department emphasises that it holds the highest respect for the Office of the Information Regulator and its constitutional mandate.”
The department stated that its opposition to the application for leave to appeal should not be interpreted as a “lack of respect” for the Information Regulator.
“On the contrary, the department values the regulator’s role and looks forward to continued and constructive engagement.”
The DBE said it remains committed to legal compliance, learner protection, transparency, and accessibility, while ensuring that the rights and dignity of every learner are respected.
The Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube and Deputy Minister Dr Reginah Mhaule are set to announce the results of the Matric Class of 2025 on Monday, 12 January 2026. – SAnews.gov.za
