The Information Regulator has taken legal action to prevent the Department of Basic Education (DBE) from publishing the 2024 matric results in newspapers, citing violations of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The regulator argues that releasing results, even with anonymized data, breaches privacy laws without consent. The DBE, however, insists on proceeding with publishing matric results, despite a R5 million fine from the Information Regulator for alleged non-compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act. The department's Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga cites a 2022 Pretoria High Court judgment allowing results to be published using exam numbers to protect students' personal details.  A court hearing is scheduled for 7 January 2025 to resolve the matter, just days before the results of the class of 2024 will be released. To get the view of the department ,Udo Carelse spoke to the Department of Basic Education Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga.