Why Your Matric Results Are Being Withheld

By Klnam Kurt •  Updated: 01/10/25 •  6 min read

In South Africa, it can be eventful when matric results are announced since it plays a significant role in academics by shaping the young ones to adopt more discipline in academia.

It is possible for the matric results to be withheld; however, students are informed to prepare better to avoid these things.

 Also, the institutions involved create an enabling environment to help students understand the point of having their matric results withheld. Once the matric results represent the outcome among some of the students, it can be disastrous to have your results withheld.

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Students who take the matric exams are allowed to write 7 subjects considered part of the examination requirement. The outcome of these subjects has an impact on the next stage of life as well as a continuation in education. The weight of the matric exams is so high that many people tend to have pressure around them. 

Because of the high relevance of the matric exams, many students who take the exams are always anxious about the results. And as part of the discipline and regulation, there are cases where matric results are being withheld. 

There are a lot of various reasons that could lead to your matric results being withheld. There could be an issue of irregularities, false information, lack of supervision, irresponsibilities, and many more. 

Let us find out more about why your matric results are being withheld and insightful information to help you in your matric. 

Why your matric results are being withheld

It is very common to have results withheld for examination. Having your matric results withheld means they have not been published or released to the public and the candidate.

The matric exams are really important because they play a big role in shaping students’ academic futures and helping them decide which career path to pursue. However, as we eagerly await the matric results, there are concerns that they may be withheld for various reasons.

Many times, the reason for your matric results to be withheld has to do with irregularities. Once there is an irregularity in the matric examination, authorities will align with the various heads and seek to put all matric results on hold. These are part of the process to conduct an investigation and confirm the issue pertaining to the irregularity. 

In other cases, certain issues like non-payment of fees, administrative challenges, delays, and others can also have your matric results withheld. 

However, when it is found that there was malpractice within a center or all the centers, the matric results can be withheld until further notice. 

Having your matric results withheld can be heartbreaking, and therefore candidates are advised to be compliant and disciplined in this examination.

In order to reduce the chances of having their results put on hold, it is extremely important for students to follow the examination guidelines and policies closely. It’s essential for teachers and parents to be supportive during the exam period. They can help students manage the pressure and stay focused.

Can I get my matric results with my ID number?

Matric exams and results hold great importance in South Africa as they profoundly impact young individuals’ academic and professional journeys.

Your ID number has some relevance in revealing your matric results. When preparing for matric, your ID is considered to be part of the information needed for the registration of the matric exams. However, your ID number alone can limit you when it comes to getting your matric results. 

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You need your ID number as well as your exam number to get your matric results. Cases, where students can only determine their ID number without their exam number are referred to the Department of basic education. Once a candidate reports an issue regarding a missing exam number, the DBE will look into the system to get the results of that individual with only the ID number. The ID number is a supplement of the exam number, and therefore, you need these two details to get your matric results.

It is important for students to keep their ID number and exam number safe for future reference or results check after the matric exams.

What does it mean when they say your matric results are unavailable?

One important issue pertaining to the matric results is how the results are announced or communicated to the public.

Students who write matric exams are always eager to know their results to prepare for the next stage. It can be disheartening to find out that your matric results are unavailable; however, this issue can exist for an external reason.

The Department of Education has a way of communicating to the public about the matric results. Should you see your matric results unavailable, it could be that there is a technical issue that certainly comes from an external source like the Department of Education or the portal being used to release the results.

It is uncommon not to have written the matric exams and expect your matric results. If the case where a student registers for matric exams without writing, his or her results will be unavailable. 

Can a school withhold matric results?

Once you have written your matric exams, you anticipate receiving the results in order to plan for your next action.

There are cases where some schools withhold matric results for the right or wrong reasons. In most cases, a school can withhold your results if you have not settled all your school feels. This gives the school an upper hand to ensure that students who may be owing school fees come to pay on time. There are cases where riots, chaos, or administrative issues can put a school in a position to withhold matric results.

If you find out your school has withheld your matric results, do not be surprised, as it can be possible. The most important thing is to visit the administrative office to understand the reason behind the action and do the needful if it is within your reach. 

How can I get my matric results 2026?

 If you have written the matric exams and waiting for your 2026 matric results, here is what you need to know. 

You can get your matric results by using the matric results check platform created by other third parties as well as the Department of Education.

Also, there is a short code, 356658, that allows students to submit their details for their 2026 matric results. These options are available for students who wish to get their 2026 matric results.

It can also be advantageous to visit the Department of Education in your province to get your matric results

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