Decision to not publish matric results a mental health victory: Equal Education

Equal Education believes the decision by the Department of Basic Education to not publish the 2021 matric results is a win for the mental health of pupils.

In a statement on Tuesday, the department cited the new Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) as the reason for its decision not to publish the results in the media.

Equal Education Law Centre deputy director Robyn Beere says this is a win for the right to privacy.

“This also about the dignity of learners, some are children at the time their results are published, and this not only complies with the law, but it also prioritises learners’ mental health which has in the past been placed at significant risk with the publication of results in national newspapers.”

Beere admits it may disadvantage some pupils .

“We note the potential difficulties that some learners may not get results directly from the school they as many have already moved away from school to go back home or new places of study or work. It is important to ensure that other avenues are available for learners to obtain results.”

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