Matric exam results will not be published on public platforms
THE matric class of 2021 will be not able to page through newspapers for their final results expected to be released next week.
Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Basic Education, who was speaking during a media briefing on Tuesday, said the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examination results would no longer be published on public platforms.
The NSC results are expected to be released on January 21.
Motshekga said as per the Protection of Personal Information Act (Popia), 2013 (Act No 04 of 2013), the department made a decision not to publish the matric results on public platforms. The act came into effect on July 1 last year.
She said the department recognised that section 14 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provided that everyone had the right to privacy.
“This right to privacy includes a right to protection against the unlawful collection, retention, dissemination and use of personal information.”
Motshekga said that the matriculants would be required to obtain their statement of results from their respective schools.
“In this way, every learner’s personal information, with regards to the outcomes of the 2021 NSC exams, will be protected.”
Motshekga said the department also discouraged the spread of misleading information regarding the NSC pass requirements.
“There is information we have made available in which we explain the pass requirements. All that needs to be said is that 30% is not a pass mark in this country. If a candidate gets an aggregate of 30% in all subjects written, the candidate will surely fail.”
Motshekga said there were three pass requirements.
She said for admission to Bachelor studies, a pupil must obtain at least 40% for the home language subject (compulsory). The pupil must also obtain at least 50% for four other subjects, excluding life orientation, at least 30% for the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, and 30% in one other subject, among other requirements.
However, for admission to diploma studies, a pupil must obtain at least 40% for the home language subject (compulsory). The pupil must also obtain at least 40% for three other subjects, excluding life orientation, at least 30% for the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution and 30% in one other subject, among other requirements.
Motshekga said for a higher certificate, a pupil must obtain at least 40% for the home language subject (compulsory). The pupil must also obtain at least 30% for the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution, at least 40% for two other subjects, 30% for three other subjects and pass at least six of the seven subjects.
“There are myths, which are being repeated year after year, almost by the same people on this matter; and it is unfortunate and disappointing. Next week, we will demonstrate how the sector has worked hard under difficult circumstances to support learners.
“We need to rally behind our learners, show them support, and not discourage them by spreading false news, which could affect their confidence and the future,” she said.
Motshekga said registration for the 2022 matric rewrite exams, which started in October last year, would close on February 15.
The mid-year exams will start on May 9 and end on June 23.
Inland schools including in the Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the North West will open on Wednesday.
Schools in the coastal provinces – the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape and the Western Cape, will return to school on January 19.