Build One South Africa (BOSA) is calling for an urgent, nationwide screening of all educators, teachers, and staff members working in South African schools to ensure they are not listed on the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). We will be formally writing to the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, to request that this process be prioritized as a matter of urgency.
Schools should be safe and nurturing spaces for children, not places of vulnerability and unspeakable abuse. Yet, recent cases of sexual violence in schools—including the tragic case of Cwecwe—have underscored the glaring failures in our system. Cwecwe, a young 7-year-old girl, was allegedly subjected to horrific abuse at the hands of someone entrusted with the duty to protect and educate.
Her case has rightly sparked outrage, shedding light on the broader issue of sexual predators gaining access to school environments due to inadequate background checks and oversight. Over the past few weeks alone, multiple reports have surfaced of children being sexually abused in environments meant to nurture and protect them.
In terms of Section 45 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, employers must screen employees against the NRSO if they are in positions where they work with, supervise, care for, or gain access to a child or disabled person.
However, it appears this screening occurs only at the point of initial employment. This means that if a person has been employed as a teacher for 30 years and commits an offence of a sexual nature during their career, they are unlikely to be re-checked against the register.
This dangerous loophole must be closed immediately. Parents have the right to know whether the person teaching their child is a predator. This is not just about compliance—it is about the safety and dignity of every child in our country.
We welcome the response from the Minister of Justice to our parliamentary question today, in which she stated: “I am committed to ensuring the amendment of the law to make the register public.” Now is the time for action.
BOSA remains at the forefront of ensuring that the NRSO is made public and not rest until this crucial safeguard is in place and our children are protected from those who seek to harm them.
Media Statement by
Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster MP: BOSA Deputy Leader
Monday 31 March 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551