South Africa has a long-standing tradition of publish matric results in newspapers. In early January every year, many parents and their children wait anxiously for the publishing of matric results. Questions should be asked about the continued relevance of this tradition, even though it once symbolized transparency and accountability.
We live in a time when mental health, privacy  and equity are top priorities, as such it might be both harmful and outdated to disseminate matric results publicly. One of the big concerns is the psychological toll this tradition takes on learners. South Africa faces an alarming suicide rate among the youth. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that 9% of teenagers commit suicide.
Often, not finding one’s name in the newspaper signifies failure to many students. However, mistakes such as missing names or incorrect results can cause undue panic and distress for learners and their families. Even when these errors are later rectified, the initial harm may already be done, leaving emotional scars that persist long after the results are corrected. The shame linked with perceived failure can lead to depression, anxiety and, tragically, suicide. This alone should prompt us to reconsider this tradition.
Another concern is that learners are judged unfairly based on one test score, without looking at the different challenges they might have gone through, like financial issues or personal loss. This practice also ignores the privacy of learners, many of whom are underage. The POPI Act protects personal information and requires one to obtain consent before sharing other people’s information publicly. The disregard for learners’ privacy leads to serious ethical and legal issues that we should not disregard.
Results can be communicated more respectfully, privately and efficiently with today’s digital technology. For example, results are available via online portals, SMS and USSD and apps. These methods are progressive and safeguard learners’ dignity and mental health. Families are able to receive news without the anxiety that comes with all eyes being on them, allowing them to grieve or celebrate privately. However, national statistics and pass rates can still be made public to maintain transparency, but individual results should remain confidential.
Societies evolve and, accordingly, traditions must evolve in tandem. Publishing matric results in newspapers, while used in past to show openness and responsibility is now a practice causing harm to leaners. It adds to mental health problems, breaks privacy, and goes against the values of a caring and fair society. South Africa needs to change this tradition. The health of its young people should come first. By ending this harmful tradition, we will be taking a vital step toward protecting our youth and fostering a compassionate, forward-thinking society. It is an important step for a better and more welcoming education system.
