By Johnathan Paoli
The Basic Education Portfolio Committee has called on both the department and the Information Regulator (IR) to prioritise the needs of learners amidst the battle surrounding the publishing of matric results.
Committee chair Joy Maimela said that uncertainty surrounding the publication of the results could potentially lead to increased anxiety among the expectant matriculants.
“These learners are probably almost as stressed now whilst awaiting the announcement of the results on Monday as they were when writing the NSC examinations. We appeal to all to not add to heightened stress levels. The back and forth can lead to added anxiety for these candidates,” Maimela said.
She urged the parties involved to resolve the matter amicably and reiterated her commitment to prioritising the interests of learners.
“Let us rather focus on all our learners’ emotional and psychological wellbeing and support them as best as we can,” Maimela said.
The dispute centres on the department’s practice of publishing matric results in newspapers, a tradition challenged by the Regulator.
The Regulator issued an enforcement notice in November, asserting that the practice violated the Protection of Personal Information Act.
Despite being ordered to cease the practice within 31 days, the department did not comply, prompting the Regulator to seek an urgent court interdict.
However, the court struck the matter from the roll, deeming it non-urgent, and ordered the Regulator to cover the legal costs.
INSIDE EDUCATION
