Build One South Africa (BOSA) today reiterates our call for the National Sex Offenders Register to be made public after the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, revealed in response to BOSA’s written parliamentary question that the register currently contains 32,557 convicted sex offenders, with an additional 10,456 potential entries still pending in various courts.
Given South Africa’s alarming rates of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual crimes, the need for public access to this crucial information cannot be overstated. BOSA firmly believes that the public interest in protecting future victims from sexual abuse outweighs any privacy concerns for convicted offenders.
“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,”
said Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP, BOSA Deputy Leader.
“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 has already taken action by submitting a formal request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA), invoking the “public interest” override outlined in Section 46 of the Act.
This legal step seeks to compel the government to grant public access to the register, ensuring that citizens have the right to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from known offenders.
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.
For over two years, BOSA has campaigned for the NRSO to be made public—a call that has resonated with thousands of South Africans. Our petition, signed by nearly 20,000 citizens, reflects the urgency of ensuring communities are informed and protected from sexual predators.
BOSA remains committed to ensuring that the government follows through on its promises. We call on all South Africans to stand with us in demanding action.
We will not accept further delays, and we will not allow empty promises to hinder the fight against gender-based violence and sexual violence.
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Friday 07 March 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551