BOSA launches petition calling for National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO) to be made public and readily accessible

12 August 2024

Today Build One South Africa (BOSA) launches a nationwide petition advocating for the National Register of Sexual Offenders (NRSO) to be made public and readily accessible to anyone in the country.

The current protocol to access the Register is a time-consuming process that requires paying a fee of R150 and a waiting period of minimum six weeks.

This practice discourages transparency and inhibits the naming and shaming of sexual offenders - a necessary step towards accountability. We are petitioning the concerned authorities – in particular the Minister of Police and Minister of Justice - to make the NRSO publicly accessible and user-friendly.

We believe that the ease of access to such information is crucial to the security and well-being of our communities, particularly the most vulnerable among us.

Making the NRSO public will be a significant step towards deterring sexual offenders and those who abuse women, and holding them accountable. Increased transparency in this area will also promote community vigilance, also aiding in the fight against sexual abuse and gender-based violence.

We encourage everyone who values truth, justice, and community safety to raise their voice and sign this petition. Let's demand public and easy access to the NRSO.

Issued by Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster, BOSA Deputy Leader, 12 August 2024