Top Matric Achiever says results must NOT be published
Several matriculants - including a Top Achiever - called on authorities to stop publishing matric results in newspapers. What do you think?
A top-performing matriculant has appealed to the Department of Basic Education NOT to post matric results in newspapers.
The long-standing practise – where results are published along with the learner’s student number in national publications – has come under fire by the Information Regulator.
However, a recent ruling from the Gauteng High Court permitted the department to proceed as it claimed the matter was merely a “disagreement between the parties.”
TOP MATRICULANT URGES PUBLIC TO STOP PUBLISHING MATRIC RESULTS
Speaking to the media, Maselesele Lamanani, from the Class of 2024, shared her opinion that Matric results should not be published in newspapers.
Lamanani of Tshivhase Secondary School in Thoyandou, Limpopo, was identified as a “Top Achiever” by the Department of Basic Education and invited to a departmental breakfast hosted by Minister Siviwe Gwarube.
Of the debate, the teen said: “I think it should stop. If they really want our information out there, they should at least allow learners to sign the POPIA [consent] form before they publish them.”
In recent weeks, several other matriculants have reiterated the same concerns.
One said: “The results are between the learner and the school. If [my name] didnt appear in the newspaper, they [the public] were going to judge me. The pressure will [lead me] to depression”.
Another added: “It’s good to have privacy so that I can know only [if I passed Matric]. People will not understand the pressure I went through.”
A third added that it was “fair” for learners to consent to their results being published.
CONCERN FOR TEEN MENTAL HEALTH, SUICIDE
Meanwhile, the Society for Anxiety and Depression (SADAG) has noted an alarming increase in Matric learners calling their helplines.
This over fears that they had failed their final year in high school.
SADAG’s Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha said they had received nearly 2000 daily calls from anxious matrics.
She told Voice of The Cape, “I think it’s so important for them to remember that this is just one part of their journey, and there are other options for them. So, when our matriculants do not receive the results that they want, they feel disappointed and disheartened, and they don’t see that there is a bigger picture and that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
SADAG has offered various resources to Matric learners who felt overwhelmed or anxious over their results. The NGO has reiterated that its helplines are open 24/7 for support.
FEELING OVERWHELMED? SEEK HELP
If Matric results leave you feeling depressed, anxious, or even suicidal, contact the following crisis lines, which are available 24/7.
Suicide crisis helpline – 0800 567 567
Cipla mental health helpline – 0800 456 789
Substance abuse helpline – 0800 12 13 14
SMS line – 31393
DO YOU THINK MATRIC RESULTS SHOULD BE PUBLISHED?
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