The DBE has confirmed that the results of the 2025 NSC examinations will be published in accredited newspapers across South Africa next Tuesday, January 13.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DBE said the results will be presented in the same anonymised format used in recent years. Only examination numbers and results will be published, with no names, surnames or ID numbers included.

This decision follows a Pretoria High Court ruling in December, which allowed matric results to be published publicly using examination numbers.

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The Information Regulator has since sought permission to appeal this decision.

In 2024, the regulator issued an enforcement notice preventing the publication of matric results in newspapers, stating that results should instead be shared through schools or a secure SMS service in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

The DBE emphasised that it is legally required to publish the results in a pseudonymised format under a court order issued on January 18, 2022, which remains in force.

“Publishing results in accredited newspapers has long been an important and accessible method for learners and parents to obtain their results timeously,” their statement read.

“We will continue to follow the court-endorsed practice of publishing results without identifying learners, balancing accessibility with the protection of personal information.”

The department also confirmed that it will oppose the Information Regulator’s application for leave to appeal, stating that the appeal has no reasonable prospects of success.

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At the same time, the DBE stressed its respect for the regulator’s constitutional mandate and expressed a commitment to continued constructive engagement.

Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, are scheduled to announce the results of the Matric Class of 2025 on Monday, January 12.

The DBE reaffirmed that its priority remains compliance with the law, transparency, and the protection of learners’ rights and dignity while ensuring results remain accessible to parents and guardians.