“Matric Results Controversy: Pupils, Privacy, and the Battle Over Newspaper Publications”

by Hope Ngobeni

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Pupils in KwaZulu-Natal have voiced mixed reactions to the longstanding practice of publishing matric results in newspapers, a tradition that has sparked ongoing debate regarding privacy and the role of media in education. On Wednesday, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed an application from the Information Regulator (IR) to interdict the Department of Basic Education (DBE) from publishing the 2024 matric results in the media, ruling that the matter was not urgent. As a result, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube confirmed that the department would proceed with its plans to publish the results on January 14, albeit with significant adjustments.

In line with a previous court ruling from 2022, the names of the candidates will not be disclosed, and only their exam numbers will be made public. Minister Gwarube expressed gratitude to the IR for raising its concerns and reiterated her commitment to continuing dialogue with the regulatory body to address any further issues that might arise.

The legal dispute between the IR and the DBE stems from the regulator’s belief that publishing the results infringes on the privacy rights of students, specifically their right to protection of personal information. The IR had issued an enforcement notice to the DBE in November, instructing it not to release the results. However, the DBE contested the notice, arguing against its enforceability, which ultimately led to the court’s decision on Wednesday.

The court ruling focused solely on the urgency of the matter and did not address the core issue of whether the publication of results constitutes a violation of privacy. As the matter remains unresolved, the IR has indicated its intention to return to court to further challenge the publication of the results. Mukelani Dimba, executive for education and communication at the IR, confirmed that the department’s refusal to comply with the enforcement notice meant that the issue was far from settled.

Despite the legal tussle, pupils across KwaZulu-Natal have expressed diverse opinions on the practice of publishing matric results in newspapers. For some, the publication remains a cherished tradition, a moment of public recognition and a source of excitement. A pupil from Belverton Secondary School shared her perspective, stating that while she understood the tradition, she found it outdated in the digital age. She argued that the publication of results in newspapers wastes resources and represents an unnecessary invasion of privacy. “It adds pressure to individuals,” she remarked, explaining that the visibility of others’ results could lead to comparisons, adding an extra layer of stress to what is already a high-pressure time for students. For her, receiving results privately, much like any other report card, would be more appropriate, allowing students to choose who to share their results with.

Another pupil from Tongaat Secondary School echoed similar concerns but admitted a sense of ambivalence. On one hand, she expressed a desire to experience the thrill of searching for her exam number in the newspaper. On the other, she recognized the potential anxiety such a practice could cause. The worry that friends and family might access her results before she does, simply by knowing her exam number, raised issues of privacy and control. “It adds unnecessary pressure,” she concluded, highlighting the mental toll this public sharing of academic performance can have on some students.

The broader debate touches on a significant question: How much privacy should be afforded to students in an age where personal information can be easily shared and accessed? For many, the publication of exam results represents an outdated relic of a pre-digital era. Given the rise of online platforms and digital services, many argue that such sensitive information should be accessible only to the individuals involved and those they choose to share it with.

In contrast, organizations like AfriForum, a respondent in the case, have voiced support for the traditional method of result publication. Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, celebrated the court’s ruling as a victory for matriculants, many of whom value the opportunity to see their results in the newspaper. Bailey suggested that the publication of results in this manner is important for some students, providing a public acknowledgment of their academic success.

The issue remains unresolved in the courts, with the IR likely to return for a more comprehensive hearing on the merits of the case. Meanwhile, as the Department of Basic Education prepares to release the 2024 matric results in just a few days, the debate about privacy, media responsibility, and the evolving needs of students continues to stir strong emotions on both sides of the argument.

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