Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube has revealed that the matric results will be published in the newspapers as was done historically, and it appears that the public is divided on how to take this information.
For many South Africans, the month of December is one of letting loose and winding down, however for Grade 12 learners, it is one of the most stressful times as it brings the release of their matric results.
Historically, matric results were published in all newspapers, with the learner’s full names and exam numbers displayed for all to see.
The introduction of new laws such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI) which aims to protect personal information processed by public and private bodies has meant that the department had to seize the publishing of the results. Minister Siviwe has revealed the department’s plans to return to publishing the results again this year, as she cites the fact it does not infringe the POPI Act.
According to the minister, the only information that will be made available will be the exam numbers, which guarantees the learners’ anonymity as they are not given to anyone but the owner.
Basic Education says matric results will be published in newspapers as it’s the norm. This is despite the Information Regulator saying this is illegal as prior consent from pupils is required. Minister Siviwe Gwarube says anonymity is guaranteed as only exam numbers and not names… pic.twitter.com/MtAveoiUVs
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 28, 2024
South Africans appear to be split in the middle about the department’s decision as one side argues that publishing results does more bad than good, making an example of emotional and psychological damage it may cause the leaners whose names do not appear in the papers.
The other side pushes for publishing to allow more accessibility for those with no cell phones or any means to reach their schools for their results. Continuing, these users reference their own experiences, expressing how things worked perfectly well in the past.
She is right, it should be published, it was always like that. Those who fail, people close to them will know anyways even if results are not published.
— SA Defender?? (@SA_Defender) November 28, 2024
I also remember how horrible it was for the kids who didn’t find their names in a newspaper. Over and above the privacy issue, it protects kids from embarrassment
— Natasha Huckfield (@dramadelinquent) November 22, 2024
Also see: Zandi Khumalo stands on her stance on Senzo Meyiwa trial- ‘I want anyone involved behind bars’
