Final Decision: Matric results to be published in the media
The Pretoria Supreme Court has ruled that the DBE may publish the 2024 matric results in the media, despite the IR’s directive against it.
South Africa’s Information Regulator (IR) has instructed the DBE to refrain from publishing the 2024 matric results in newspapers, citing the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act. Subsequently, it issued the DBE with an enforcement notice. However, the DBE appealed this directive. The Pretoria Supreme Court has ruled that the Department may publish the results in the media as in the past.
DBE’s stance on publishing matric results
Dr Rufus Poliah, the DBE Director of Assessment and Examinations, said that according to legal advice that the Department received, the DBE should accommodate learners by releasing the results in the media. This is because many learners are not near their schools at the time that the results are available.
Poliah argued that the results appear anonymously using only the learners’ unique examination numbers and thus it is not in breach of the POPI Act.
When can candidates expect their results?
During a media briefing, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube stated that the official release date for the matric results is set for 13 January 2025 when she will announce the outcome of the examinations. Results will be released to candidates the following day on 14 January 2025.
The minister emphasised the department’s commitment to accuracy and fairness. It is important to note that candidates should submit any result queries for investigation within 30 days after the release of results.
Candidates must ensure that names and identity numbers reflect correctly on their statement of results and report any required corrections to the Department of Education before 21 February 2025.
What is the procedure for a re-mark?
A candidate may apply at the prescribed fee for the re-mark/re-check of his/her examination script(s). To apply for this, the candidate must register at the school or district office or online at www.eservices.gov.za. The instructions appear on the reverse side of the Statement of Results.
Closing date for applications: 31 January 2025 for both manual applications and online applications.
Fees for re-marking and re-checking per subject:
Re-mark : R116,00
Re-check : R29,00
Candidates may only view scripts after a re-mark or re-check of results. The closing date for applications to view scripts is seven days after the release of re-mark or re-check results. The fee for viewing is R220,00.
Results of remarking will be released from 14 March 2025 and will be available at the school/exam centre where the candidate sat for their 2024 examinations.