Basic Education won't oppose court application on publication of matric results
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) says it will abide by any decision taken by the High Court on whether or not to publish the 2021 matric results in the media.
The department announced its decision a week ago to not publish the much-anticipated matric results, to keep in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Three organisations including AfriForum have since approached the court in an urgent bid to have the results published in the media.
Basic education spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says the department has been engaging with the Information Regulator to comply with all the legal obligations.
“In handling the matter the Department is guided by the need to comply with all the legal obligations but in the final analysis the Constitution commands the DBE to act in the best interest of the learner.
In a quest to strike this delicate balance of complying with POPIA and act in the best interest of the learner, the Department has been engaged with a number of role players including the Information Regulator and the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF),” says Mhlanga.
Mhlanga says the department will be guided by the court’s decision.
“In view of the latest developments with regards to the release of the 2021 Matric Results and the impending litigation, the Department has decided that it will abide by the decision of the Court. The Department has communicated its position to stakeholders it has engaged including SANEF and other parties,” adds Mhlanga.
The urgent court application is expected to be heard on Tuesday, ahead of the announcement of the matric results on Thursday.
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