For years, the media, especially newspapers, have published the names and exam numbers of Matriculants, but this practice is now under scrutiny.

Afriforum has threatened to take the Information Regulator to court after it ordered the DBE to stop publishing the results in newspapers. In response, the regulator has issued an infringement notice to the DBE, demanding a fine of 5 million Rand for violating the Protection of Personal Information Act. The regulator argues that publishing personal information without proper consent breaches privacy laws.

Alana Bailey, Head of Cultural Affairs at Afriforum, clarified the situation, stating that while they understand the need for privacy, the publication of exam numbers, with no names included, offers adequate protection. Bailey explained that the 2022 court ruling allowed for the continued publication of results using only exam numbers, which she believes strikes a balance between privacy and public access. She emphasised that many Matriculants rely on public platforms to access their results, with some even framing their exam numbers as a tradition.

The disagreement stems from the Information Regulator’s stance that publishing results in newspapers violates personal privacy. The DBE now faces a dilemma between adhering to the court order or complying with the regulator's instruction. Afriforum’s legal challenge could escalate the situation further.

Bailey also raised concerns about the mental health of students during the results period, referencing previous instances where students, distressed by their results being absent from public lists, have resorted to self-harm. She urged the government to focus on mental health support for Matriculants and implement processes for students to control the publication of their results.

As the conflict unfolds, many are concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the 2024 Matric results and the impact on both students and their families.

--ChannelAfrica--