BOSA calls for urgent public access to National Sex Offenders Register amid rising GBV

Build One South Africa (BOSA) has once again called for the public release of the National Sex Offenders Register (NRSO), following a disclosure from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi.

In response to a parliamentary question from BOSA, Kubayi revealed that the register currently lists 32,557 convicted sex offenders, with an additional 10,456 potential entries pending in various courts.

Given South Africa's alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual crimes, BOSA believes public access to this crucial information is essential for the safety of women and children.

BOSA deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Wesbter emphasised the urgency of the matter: "As it stands, South Africans remain in the dark about known sex offenders living within their communities, posing a serious threat to the safety of women and children.

''We cannot continue to shield convicted sex offenders at the expense of innocent lives. Public access to this register is a necessary step toward accountability and prevention.”

BOSA’s call for transparency follows a delay in the promised release of the NRSO, which was initially scheduled by the Minister to be made public by the end of February. However, on March 1, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development revealed that due to legal rules about confidentiality, the release would be postponed.

IOL previously reported that the Ministry’s spokesperson, Terrance Manase, indicated that the department would review legislation to enable reforms allowing for the public release of the register.

“The Ministry has identified the need to review the legislation to enable key reforms, particularly regarding confidentiality and disclosure provisions that currently restrict public access,” Manase said.

He added that the Ministry is working on a phased approach to make the register more accessible, beginning with institutions working with children before expanding to general employers.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 

Despite these assurances, BOSA remains concerned about the reversal.

Roger Solomons, BOSA acting spokesperson, expressed skepticism about the Minister’s sudden shift, raising questions about the register’s integrity. “Does this register even exist? Is it outdated? Or is the Ministry hiding names it does not want the public to see? BOSA will not allow this process to be delayed. We are exercising oversight by using PAIA to demand answers,” Solomons said.

BOSA’s position is clear: the public’s right to know outweighs any privacy concerns for convicted offenders. Solomons argued that,  “Given the alarming rates of gender-based violence and sexual crimes in South Africa, the need for public access to this information cannot be overstated.

''Making the NRSO public will serve as a strong deterrent against sexual crimes and ensure that those who violate the rights and dignity of others can no longer hide in the shadows.”

BOSA has also taken legal action, submitting a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to compel the government to grant public access to the register.

The party’s petition, signed by nearly 20,000 citizens, reflects growing public demand for the release of the NRSO, said Solomons. 

Manase assured that once the legal reviews are complete, an official timeline for releasing the register will be announced. In the meantime, the phased approach will begin with the most vulnerable institutions, such as schools and child-focused organisations.

BOSA remains resolute in its campaign for transparency and accountability.

"Our communities deserve to know who these offenders are those who roam our streets, enter our workplaces, and infiltrate our homes, often putting our children at risk," Solomons said.

"We will not accept further delays, and we will not allow empty promises to hinder the fight against gender-based violence and sexual violence."

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za 

IOL Politics