Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has announced that the government will make a list of convicted sexual offenders and gender-based violence (GBV) perpetrators public by the end of February.
Government taking a significant step
Making this register public is a significant step by the South African government in its fight against GBV and femicide.
Minister Kubayi made the announcement at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s 365 Days Against GBV Awareness Campaign in Soweto. The campaign, active since 1998, promotes year-round efforts to combat gender-based violence. The South African sex offender list will be available to the public by the end of February.
Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi emphasised the importance of making the register public to protect children and keep parents informed.
‘One of the issues that has been reported was the need for us as a department to release the register, to make it public, for those who have been sentenced and convicted of gender-based violence, to protect our children. I have agreed that we will be able to release this,’ said Kubayi.
GBV: What other steps is the government taking?
Additionally, the minister pointed out that more effort is required to ensure justice is served in cases of gender-based violence.
In light of this, the government is planning on upgrading 100 district courts to provide services specifically designed for survivors of GBV. The government wants to create a supportive environment by having experts in those courts who know how to handle victims, work with families, and also offer support and counselling.
The Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s executive trustee, Gugu Motlanthe, said that there is a need to confront the culture of silence and shame that allows abusers to go unpunished. Motlanthe emphasised that it is everyone’s duty to put an end to violence and abuse against women, especially by those in power.
Do other countries have public sex offender registers?
South Africa’s decision to create a public register is in line with what other countries are doing. For example, the US Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website includes sex offender registries for all 50 states. The UK has the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) that shares details about people’s criminal histories, including sexual crimes. Worldwide, there is a growing need for more openness about those convicted of sexual offences. This includes public access to related information in the hope to improve community safety and prevent future abuse.
Will this register make a difference in reducing GBV? Share your thoughts.
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