Action Society has launched a national campaign urging the government to make the National Register for Sex Offenders publicly accessible, citing concerns over child safety and a lack of transparency. The organisation is also seeking clarity from the Department of Justice through a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application.
National spokesperson Juanita du Preez stated that the register is not easily accessible to the public. “It is not widely available. You cannot access it online; ordinary citizens cannot simply view it,” she explained. Currently, only employers working with children or vulnerable groups can apply to check whether an individual is listed, without being granted access to the full register.
Du Preez argued that this limitation prevents parents from making informed decisions about their children’s safety. “For me, that is not truly public access. As a parent, I cannot check whether people in my surroundings are on that list and take steps to keep my children safe,” she said.
She believes the register should be fully accessible online. “It should be made public. It should be available at the click of a mouse. What other purpose does the National Register for Sex Offenders serve if it is not accessible to the public?”
Action Society maintains that greater transparency is essential to ensure the register fulfils its purpose of protecting children and vulnerable groups.
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