High Court greenlights publication of matric exam results

AfriForum has welcomed a ruling by the North Gauteng High Court that allows for the continued publication of matric results, stating that the decision successfully balances learner privacy with public access to information.

The organisation noted that the court’s consent—which permits the publication of examination numbers rather than candidates’ names—provides a sustainable solution for both current and future learners to access their results via public platforms.

The ruling, delivered on Friday, followed a legal challenge involving the Information Regulator of South Africa. The Regulator had sought to halt the publication of results, arguing that the practice contravened the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. However, the North Gauteng High Court dismissed the bid, allowing the traditional publication process to proceed with the added privacy safeguard of using ID-linked exam numbers.

Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the outcome and the legal precedent it sets.

“A cost order was also issued in favour of AfriForum and the media houses that were respondents in the case. AfriForum is pleased that the ruling contributes to greater certainty about the right to privacy,” said Bailey.

The ruling ensures that the long-standing tradition of publishing results in national newspapers and digital platforms can continue, provided that personal identifiers remain protected.