The SA Communist Party (SACP) said on Sunday it supported the decision by the basic education department to not publish the names of matriculants in newspapers.

“The SACP hopes that the decision by the basic education department represents the starting point towards individual learners’ results not being published in newspapers at all,” the organisation said in a statement.

“Individual learner’s results are a private confidential matter between the department and the learners concerned.”

On November 25, the education department said matric results would be published in newspapers with only pupils’ ID and exam numbers.

The decision was made after a task team recommended that the practice of publishing pupils’ names be reviewed.

The SACP said it was worried that “sensitive learners’ information” such as examination numbers, and identity numbers would still be published when the results are released.

“This dangerous practice must just be stopped with immediate effect. The SACP is calling on the department to look into this matter and attend to it with the urgency that it deserves.”

Public schools’ matric exam results will be released on Tuesday. SAPA