By Marcus Moloko
The Gauteng High Court has reserved judgment on whether the Information Regulator (IR) can appeal a December 2025 ruling that allowed the publication of matric results using exam numbers.
The dispute between the IR and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) now hinges on whether exam numbers constitute personal information under POPIA, with a decision expected next week.
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For decades, matric results have been published in newspapers and online using exam numbers rather than names.
The Information Regulator argues that exam numbers are personally identifiable information under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
In a December 2025 ruling, the Gauteng High Court ruled in favour of the DBE, allowing publication to continue. The court found that exam numbers alone did not breach privacy laws.
The IR has applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA), insisting the High Court erred in its interpretation of POPIA.
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The Gauteng High Court has reserved judgment on whether to grant leave to appeal. A ruling is expected next week.
The DBE maintains that publishing results by exam number is lawful, efficient, and in the public interest, especially for learners and families awaiting confirmation.
If Leave to Appeal is Granted the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court of Appeal, where broader constitutional and privacy implications will be tested.
The December 2025 ruling stands, and matric results will continue to be published in newspapers and online using exam numbers.
