Brand new research from an NGO working to counter child abuse – the Teddy Bear Foundation – has laid bare the shocking reality of South Africa’s failing justice system when it comes to protecting vulnerable children in our society.
As revealed in the front-page story of yesterday’s Sunday Times newspaper, of the more than 5,000 cases of child abuse reported to the Foundation in the past five years, only 4% have resulted in a conviction. The nature of a large majority of these cases is sexual abuse.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) has long been at the forefront of the fight to make the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) public. These latest findings strengthen our call for immediate reform to ensure that parents, caregivers, and communities have access to critical information that can help protect children from sexual predators.
The fact that 84% of cases remain pending, with many victims abandoning the process due to the trauma of prolonged legal battles, points to a problem in our justice system. Delays caused by staff shortages, load-shedding, and systemic inefficiencies mean that child abusers are evading justice while countless children remain at risk.
It is unconscionable that known sex offenders can continue to live and work in communities with anonymity. A public NRSO is a necessary and overdue measure to empower South Africans with the tools to safeguard their children. We cannot continue to allow red tape and political inaction to shield predators while children pay the price.
BOSA reiterates our call for Parliament to urgently pass legislation that makes the NRSO fully accessible to the public. We will not stop fighting until this crucial reform is implemented.
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Monday 24 March 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551