Finding an examination number in a results listing is a familiar part of finishing matric. Whether publishing results this way sufficiently protects a learner’s identity remains a question for the courts.

The Information Regulator has obtained permission to appeal a ruling allowing matric results to be published using examination numbers instead of names. AfriForum, a party to the case, confirmed the development on 18 September 2026. 

The decision allows the appeal to proceed. It does not settle whether this publication method complies with privacy law.

Why an examination number matters

The dispute centres on the Protection of Personal Information Act, or POPIA, and whether results linked to examination numbers remain personal information.

The regulator argues that replacing names with numbers does not remove the privacy concerns. Supporters of publication argue that examination numbers protect learners’ identities while keeping results publicly accessible.

The distinction matters beyond the appearance of a results page: removing a name and making someone unidentifiable are not necessarily the same thing. The litigation tests how that applies to matric results.

How the appeal reached this stage

In December 2025, a full bench of the Pretoria High Court ruled in favour of publication using examination numbers and set aside the regulator’s enforcement and infringement notices.

The regulator challenged that judgment, saying the courts should clarify organisations’ responsibilities to protect personal information and comply with its orders.

The High Court refused leave to appeal on 3 June 2026. The regulator then approached the Supreme Court of Appeal directly and obtained permission to continue its challenge. 

AfriForum argues that the case also has implications for other information published using codes or numbers. That is its position in the dispute; the appeal court must still determine the issues before it.

What families can do

The case concerns how results are made public. It does not concern how learners’ answers are marked or whether they have passed.

For learners and parents, the useful steps are straightforward:

• Follow school and Department of Basic Education notices for results-release and collection arrangements.
• Collect the official statement of results from the school or examination centre.
• Query missing online results with the examination centre or district or provincial education office.

The department’s guidance identifies schools and examination centres as collection points and advises candidates to enquire if their results are missing online. 

The Bottom Line

Learners need access to their results and proper protection of their personal information. While the appeal considers how public listings should work, families can prepare by keeping their school’s results-collection instructions and contact details handy.