IN CONVERSATION WITH ALANA BAILEY, DEPUTY CEO OF AFRIFORUM

Today, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria reserved judgment in a matter that has stirred debate over transparency, privacy and education. The case, heard on 27 and 28 October, involves AfriForum, a party backing public publication of matric results and the Information Regulator’s challenge to the Department of Basic Education’s long-standing practice of releasing results publicly. AfriForum argues that publishing results using examination numbers (rather than full names) protects learners’ privacy while preserving public access, and says the court’s ruling will clarify when disclosure is permissible under South Africa’s data protection laws.