GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA — The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has confirmed that the 2025 Matric Results will be published in accredited newspapers nationwide on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. This decision follows a December 2025 High Court ruling that greenlit publication, even as an appeal by the Information Regulator (IR) remains pending. Read the full background on the legal dispute here.
In compliance with the court’s directive, the published results will be pseudonymised, displaying only examination numbers and performance symbols to protect learner privacy.
DBE spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga confirmed: “There was a decision on this matter and yes, the results will be available in the newspapers.” This offers a crucial alternative for learners who may face digital access challenges.
While the IR has noted a pending appeal, spokesperson Nomzamo Zondi reiterated that the Enforcement Notice barring publication “is still in force.” However, the DBE is proceeding with the newspaper release in line with the court’s interim order.
The Major Accredited Newspapers Publishing Matric 2025 Results
Here are the 10 major accredited newspapers where you can look for your results on Tuesday morning. Remember, you will need your examination number, not your name.
- The Star (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State)
· Part of the Independent Media group (Sekunjalo Media Consortium), this is a key daily paper for the northern regions. - Sowetan (Nationwide, especially Gauteng, Free State, KZN)
· An Arena Holdings title, with a strong national footprint, with its digital presence integrated with TimesLIVE. - Daily Dispatch (Eastern Cape)
· Another Arena Holdings title based in East London, serving the Eastern Cape region with print and online news. - The Citizen (Nationwide, especially Gauteng and surrounding provinces)
· Published by Caxton & CTP Publishers, it has a national circulation and a robust e-edition at Citizen.co.za. - Cape Argus / The Argus (Western Cape)
· Part of Independent Media, it is Cape Town’s primary afternoon daily, focused on the Western Cape. - Cape Times (Western Cape)
· A major Independent Media daily in Cape Town offering print and a digital e-edition for results. - Daily News (KwaZulu-Natal)
· Another important Independent Media title, it is the leading daily in Durban and the KZN region. - Die Burger (Western Cape edition) (Western Cape)
· The remaining print edition of this Afrikaans newspaper, published by Media24 in Cape Town. - Die Son (Western Cape & Eastern Cape)
· A daily Afrikaans tabloid published by Media24, with a strong print presence in the Western and Eastern Cape. - Diamond Fields Advertiser (DFA) (Northern Cape)
· The oldest and primary newspaper in the Northern Cape, now a weekly, published by Novus Media (NovaNews).
Important Community Newspaper Groups
Beyond the major dailies, several accredited community newspaper networks will also publish results. If you live in a smaller town, check these local titles:
- Caxton & CTP Publishers & Printers – Hundreds of community papers (e.g. Bedfordview & Edenvale News, Heidelberg Nigel Heraut).
- Novus Media (NovaNews) – Over 20 regional titles across Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State & Northern Cape (e.g. TygerBurger, People’s Post, Bloem Express, PE Express).
- Independent Media – Besides its major dailies (The Star, Cape Times, Daily News, The Mercury, Isolezwe), has various regional and community titles.
- Nasionale Media / Maroela Media – A digital and print media group started by lobby group AfriForum with the aim of creating an online community for Afrikaans-speaking people.
- Inside Education: An independent South African media platform and non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering learners, teachers, and parents with reliable education news, skills development advice, and inspiring stories. Owned by the K and K Media Group, it is an accredited source for matric results and can be accessed via https://insideeducation.co.za/.
How to Read the Newspaper Listings
Results will not contain names, surnames, or ID numbers. Use your exam number to find your result, shown with a performance symbol:
- Level 7: 80–100% (Outstanding)
- Level 6: 70–79% (Meritorious)
- Level 5: 60–69% (Substantial)
- Level 4: 50–59% (Moderate)
- Level 3: 40–49% (Adequate)
- Level 2: 30–39% (Elementary)
- Level 1: 0–29% (Not achieved)
DBE Notice:
“These results are preliminary… candidates’ results may have been omitted or inaccurately printed due to technical reasons. Please contact your school or provincial education department if your name does not appear.”
Alternative Ways to Get Your Matric Results
Don’t want to wait for a newspaper? Results go live from 6:00 AM on January 13 on official platforms:
- DBE Official Website: Use the Department of Basic Education’s portal, as outlined in NOWinSA’s guide on how and where to check your Matric results.
- Gauteng Online Portal: Learners in the province can use the secure Gauteng Matric Results system.
- SMS: Send your exam number to 45856 (standard rates apply).
- USSD: Dial 12045856#.
- At Your School: Collect your official statement from around 10:00 AM.
Gauteng MEC Bonginkosi Dhlamini said the digital platform ensures learners can access results “easily and securely, while maintaining the privacy they deserve.”
Disclaimer
NOWinSA provides this list for informational purposes based on current DBE announcements and media reports. We cannot be held responsible for last-minute changes to printing, distribution, or decisions by individual newspapers or other unforeseen circumstances. Always confirm with official sources.
Related Reading
- Learn more about the January 13 Matric results release across five official platforms.
- Follow the investigation in Umalusi Cancels 2025 Matric Results of 40 Pupils in Pretoria Exam Leak.
- Read Inside the Matric Leak: HR Official Faces Jail Time for Selling Out the Class of 2025.
- If things don’t go as planned, explore Failed Matric? Here Are 4 Viable Options to Rewrite Your Future.
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