JOHANNESBURG — South Africa’s Class of 2025 can finally exhale — the 2025 Matric Results are officially locked in for release to the public on January 13, and they won’t be derailed by looming legal drama.
The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results will go live across five official platforms, ensuring millions of learners nationwide can access their results without delay. Results will again appear in accredited newspapers, alongside availability at schools, the DBE online system, provincial digital portals, and via SMS/USSD — ensuring millions of learners nationwide can access their results without delay.
A Legal Standoff — But Learners Get Certainty
For months, anxiety has hovered over whether matric results would return to print media amid a heated battle with the Information Regulator, which argued that publication risks violating the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) — even when listed by exam number. But the DBE is standing its ground.
Department spokesperson Terence Khala confirmed in an official media statement on Wednesday (January 7, 2026) the department remains confident in its legal position, citing previous court orders that permit publication without revealing learner identities.
“The department is of the view that it is legally obliged to publish the results in a format that does not compromise the identity of any candidate as the court order had granted on the 18th of January 2022. Now this is important to note that the department remains committed to legal compliance, learner protection, transparency and accessibility while ensuring that the rights, dignity of every learner are respected.”
For a deeper look at the legal background, see our coverage: Will Newspapers Print 2025 Matric Results? Judgement Pending.
Your Guide to Accessing Results on January 13
With the release date now secured, learners and parents can now plan with confidence. The rollout will follow this sequence:
- Monday, January 12 (6pm): Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube announces the national pass rate.
- Tuesday, January 13 (from 6am): Individual matric results become available nationwide across official platforms.
Where to Get Your 2025 Matric Results
The Class of 2025 can access their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results across five official platforms:
- In Accredited Newspapers:
Major titles including The Star, Sowetan, The Citizen, Isolezwe, Cape Argus and Die Burger will publish results using exam numbers only. - At Your School:
Collect your official Statement of Results from your school or exam centre, available from approximately 10:00 AM. - Online via DBE Portal:
Check results on the Department of Basic Education website using your exam number. - Provincial Online Portals:
Gauteng operates its own independent portal at https://results.gauteng.gov.za. The other provinces (such as the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Mpumalanga) typically provide links on their official provincial government websites, which then redirect to the main DBE national portal.
Tip: For mobile access, learners can also use the official MatricsMate App (Google Play Store & Apple App Store) by registering with their ID and exam number.
For an example of how these systems work, see our detailed guide: How to Check 2024 Gauteng Matric Results Online
- Via SMS/USSD:
Use your mobile phone to get instant results:
- SMS your exam number to 35658 (R1.50)
- Or dial 12035658#
A full guide to the 2025 matric release schedule and official checking methods is available here for reference.
What to Do After Getting Your Results
This moment marks the beginning of your next chapter. If your results are not what you hoped for, you have clear options:
- Apply for a Re-mark or Re-check: If you believe there has been an error, you can apply for a review of your exam script. Applications must be submitted by January 27, 2026, either at your school, district office, or online via the e-Government portal. A re-mark costs R120 per subject, while a re-check is R30. Learn more: Unhappy with Your 2024 Matric Results? Here’s How to Apply for a Re-mark or Re-check.
- Explore Other Pathways: Remember, the NSC is not the only route to success. Opportunities abound at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, through distance learning, or by registering for the May/June 2026 supplementary exams.
Focus Returns to Celebrating Achievement
With the DBE’s confirmation cutting through months of uncertainty, the national spotlight shifts back to where it truly belongs — celebrating the resilience, effort, and achievement of South Africa’s next generation of matriculants.
Learners can also check results using their South African ID here:
How to Check Your 2024 Matric Results Using Your South African ID.
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