Build One South Africa (BOSA) welcomes the commitment made by Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Parliament this afternoon, in response to a question from BOSA Leader Mmusi Maimane, supporting the public access of the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) by school principals during the hiring process of all who work at schools in South Africa.
This is a crucial development in the fight to keep our children safe. Maimane’s question highlighted the disturbing reality that only 19% of teachers in South Africa have been vetted against the NRSO, leaving over 80% of educators unscreened, and learners vulnerable.
He further raised the recent case in the North West, where a teacher was dismissed for engaging in a sexual relationship with a pupil, with intimate footage reportedly circulating online.
This incident is part of a much wider crisis: South Africa’s persistently high levels of gender-based violence and sexual abuse demand urgent, systemic intervention. For too long, the NRSO has remained closed to the public, limiting the ability of communities and institutions to make informed, protective decisions.
BOSA believes that school principals must be empowered to independently vet all job applicants before appointments are made. Access to the Register must be digitized, decentralized, and streamlined to ensure its effective use.
We welcome the Deputy President’s stated support and will monitor this issue closely to ensure that government follows through with real action. Our children deserve safe schools and trusted teachers.
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551