Source: timeslive.co.za 2/3/25
Justice and constitutional development minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has announced plans to make public the list of convicted sexual offenders and gender-based violence (GBV) perpetrators by the end of February.
Kubayi made the announcement last week in a move to combat femicide.
“As I got into the portfolio, one of the issues reported was the need for the department to release the register, to make it public, of those who have been sentenced and convicted of GBV to protect our children. I have agreed we will release this. My time frame is before the end of February the register will be public,” Kubayi said.
The decision has been welcomed by Build One SA (Bosa), which has been campaigning for the national Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO) to be made public.
Bosa acting spokesperson Roger Solomons hailed this move as a significant step in fighting GBV.
“Making the NRSO public will undoubtedly be a major deterrent for potential offenders, ensuring those who violate the rights and dignity of others are no longer allowed to hide in the shadows,” Solomons said.
“We must know who the offenders are, those who roam our streets, enter our workplaces and infiltrate our homes, often putting our children at risk. By exposing their names and faces we will enhance public awareness and safety.
“Increased transparency will also strengthen community vigilance, making it easier for individuals and organisations to take a stand and report instances of abuse. The initiative is a critical tool in the ongoing battle against sexual abuse and GBV.”
“…major deterrent for potential offenders…” Public shaming with the risk of discrimination, harassment, ostracism, and violence could deter some.
“…infiltrate our homes, often putting our children at risk.” It will also help ensure they will never be welcome in any home for any purpose, nor have a home of their own.
Not sure what constitutes “Gender Based Violence” nor what qualifies as a sex offense in South Africa, but I know this isn’t going to help anything. Just like the American Pogrom, this will only make things worse.
Let’s hope the South African Judiciary does what SCOTUS should have done over 20 years ago, and kill this pogrom before it can wreck havoc.
“There is nobody more dangerous than one who has been humiliated.” – Nelson Mandela.
It is unfortunate that yet another country has decided to publicize its registry. If only that country and every country that has a registry took the time to research this issue they would discover that registries are not effective. That they don’t prevent sexual abuse, but instead significantly harm all those listed on the registries as well as their families.
Why would they want to emulate the Yanks?
America is embarrassing on the world stage and is no longer a respected and reliable source inspiration or truth. America no longer leads by example.
The arrogance in thinking public disclosure will make a difference. It’s just human rights abuse at this point. Shaming and isolating people is not a deterrent. There is no correlation! In fact, it has the exact opposite effect.
Putting someone’s personal information on a website solves a problem that is completely fabricated. This not the win they think it is.
Perhaps there should be a public registry for stupid politicians…and politicians with DUI’s…and DV. Wait, that would probably ensnare all of them.
Very unfortunate that South Africa went down that route. It’s a country I love and traveled thru. I get they have an incredibly high sexual assault rate of girls, but a public listing won’t solve the problem. In fact, it will encourage vigilantism which is common in the townships. I believe the new policy has much to do with the ANCs recent coalition with a western friendly conservative party. Strange bedfellows make strange laws. But the silver lining is that SA doesn’t consider cyber offenses sex crimes. I still wouldn’t be on their registry if I lived in that nation.