The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) applauds the Minister for Justice, Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi’s progressive call for the Sexual Offenders’ Register to be made publicly available.  This is a long overdue intervention that the Federation has called for over many years.  We urge the Department of Justice and the Office of the Information Regulator to expedite the Minister’s call and put this into action as a matter of the utmost priority.

The 2021 amendments to the Sexual Offences and Criminal Matters Acts substantially tightened the requirements for the Sexual Offenders’ Register to be expanded to include all sexual offenders and for such repugnant predators to be prohibited from employment in positions where they will be in close proximity to or have authority over children, persons with disabilities, women or the elderly.

Gender-based violence has become an entrenched pandemic across South Africa, particularly in working class communities, on public transport, at institutions of learning and workplaces.  It has inflicted incalculable harm; physically, emotionally and psychologically upon countless women, children and other vulnerable persons.

If we want our progressive laws seeking to tackle this cancer of shame, then we must ensure the Register is readily accessible to communities and the public at large.  Rapists and other sexual offenders who choose to prey on the vulnerable, have forfeited their right to privacy.

We will not win this war until we ensure the state and society are fully empowered to deal with such criminals.  COSATU fully supports the Minister’s call and places its weight behind her to ensure it happens.

Issued by COSATU

Matthew Parks (Parliamentary Coordinator)

Mobile: 082 785 0687

Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za