Info Regulator Commends Minister For Sex Offenders List Delays

The Information Regulator has announced that its fully supporting the Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayis decision on halting the publication of the National Register of Sex Offenders NRSO.

The department last week delayed the publication of the sex offenders list, citing concerns of ensuring the publication complies with the Protection of Personal Information Act POPIA.

The act that was introduced in 2013 promotes the protection of personal information processed by public and private institutions.

During a meeting held with the departments representatives earlier this year, the regulator mentioned its concern over the lists alignment to the POPI Act.

Spokesperson for the Information Regulator says, Mukelani Dimba, says, The regulator supports the ministers decision fully. We believe that sexual assault and Gender-based Violence are doubtlessly a scourge in South Africa and all legally sound actions must be taken to protect the vulnerable against such egregious violations of their rights to bodily integrity and human dignity. However, in a rules-based society such as South Africa, it is imperative that such action must fall within the confines of the law. Currently, the legislation providing for the compilation, maintenance and dissemination of the NRSO prohibits its publication.