Johannesburg – The publication of Matric results in newspapers is back in dispute after the Information Regulator announced that it was appealing the high court ruling that gave the go-ahead.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, 31 December 2025, the regulator announced that it has decided to apply for Leave to Appeal.
The regulator said the move follows the decision by the full bench of the Pretoria High Court to set aside the Regulator’s Enforcement Notice and the Infringement Notice issued to the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in 2024.
Earlier this month, the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria ruled that publishing matric results on public platforms using only examination numbers, rather than names, protects matriculants’ privacy.
RELATED: Matric Results Can Still Be Published In Newspapers, High Court Rules – The Bulrushes
The regulator said it has filed an appeal, which has the effect of suspending the execution of the orders that are the subject of the appeal, pending the final determination of the application and any subsequent appeals.
The regulator said it has sent correspondence to DBE, outlining the impact of the application for Leave to Appeal.
The application for Leave to Appeal makes the Enforcement Notice and Infringement Notices enforceable, which still prohibits DBE from publishing the matric results in the newspapers.
“DBE must comply with the Enforcement Notice unless it obtains an order granting it leave to execute the judgment pending the final determination of the appeal,” the regulator stated.
The regulator added that it stands firm in its position that the importance of judicial processes may help illuminate certain aspects of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
This was particularly in relation to the obligations of responsible parties, such as DBE, to comply with the regulator’s orders and to protect personal information that they hold about data subjects.
The 2025 Matric, senior certificate, results have been scheduled for release on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Developing story … DBE comments will be added asap
