The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has backtracked on the plan to make the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) accessible to the public from March 2025.Â
According to the Ministry, due to confidentiality and disclosure provisions in the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act, the planned publication cannot proceed as originally envisioned.Â
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“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,” it said in a statement released on 1 March 2025.Â
In this regard, Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has initiated a multi-stakeholder consultative process as well as engaging experts and relevant institutions while working closely with the Office of the Information Regulator to ensure compliance with data privacy laws.Â
“While a specific timeline has not yet been set, the Minister remains committed to making the register public as soon as possible, in a legally compliant manner, meeting all necessary regulatory and legal requirements,” her Ministry said in the statement.Â
The Minister remains committed to making the register public as soon as possible, in a legally compliant manner.Â
In the meantime, and to ensure progress, the Minister has directed the department to adopt a phased approach to making the register more accessible to key stakeholders most affected by the challenge of sexual offenders.Â
Phase one will prioritise access for institutions working with children, such as schools, early childhood development centres, and child-focused organisations. This will ensure swift and responsible access to necessary information while protecting personal data. Phase two will be expanding access to general employers to support safer hiring practices while maintaining legal safeguards for personal information.Â
“The Minister remains committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons by ensuring the NRSO is accessible in a lawful and responsible manner,” the statement further read. “Once the legislative review is finalised and the register is ready for public release, the Ministry will make a formal announcement.”Â
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