The long-standing tradition of publishing matric results in South African newspapers will continue in 2024, following a recent ruling by the Pretoria High Court. Judge Ronel Tolmay dismissed an urgent application from the Information Regulator, which had contested the Department of Basic Education’s plan to release the results through this medium. The ruling emphasizes the contentious debate over student privacy versus public transparency in educational achievements.
The Department of Basic Education, which has maintained this practice for the past two years, argues that while publishing results online and through departmental offices prior to newspaper release helps mitigate negative impacts on students, the publication in newspapers fosters a greater sense of accountability and recognition for those who excel.
In the court session on Wednesday, the Information Regulator raised concerns about the potential violation of students’ privacy, citing the lack of consent obtained from all learners before disclosing their personal information. This claim sparked significant discourse on the ethical implications of public results publication, especially for those students who may not have performed as well as expected.
However, Judge Tolmay dismissed these claims, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support allegations of prejudice against the learners. “There is nothing before me to indicate prejudice to learners,” she remarked. Tolmay noted that neither had any formal complaints been presented nor was there demonstrable evidence to suggest harm. The judge called for both parties to consider what would genuinely serve the best interests of the matriculants, regardless of their examination outcomes.
This ruling clears the way for the public release of educational results, which are set to be published in newspapers next Tuesday. Whether students passed or failed, their names will be accessible to the public, a practice that remains deeply ingrained in South Africa’s educational landscape. Following the judge’s decision, the Information Regulator is now required to bear the costs of the legal proceedings, which were deemed unnecessary and not urgent.
As anticipation grows among learners and educators alike, questions linger over the balance between privacy and the right to information within the realm of education. The Department of Basic Education appears resolute in its approach, confident that the tradition of newspaper announcements serves a collective purpose and aligns with public interest.