DA MP and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, has started a campaign to push for greater public access to the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO), the publication of which has been delayed.

The NRSO was established by an Act of Parliament in 2007 and keeps a record of the names of those found guilty of sexual offences against vulnerable persons.

The register allows employers in the public or private sectors, such as schools, crèches, and hospitals, to check that the person being hired is fit to work with children or people with intellectual disabilities.

It is currently not open to the public and is kept confidential. Employers who want to check whether a person’s particulars are included on the NRSO can submit an application form.

But Cameron argues the register must be opened to the public, adding it can be done without infringing on privacy or confidentiality laws.

“Public access does not mean publishing addresses, identity numbers or victims’ details. It should mean giving responsible citizens meaningful access to verified information that can help them protect themselves and vulnerable family members.”

In February 2025, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, announced plans to publish the register, but this was delayed to ensure compliance with data privacy laws.

Kubayi directed that legislative amendments be prepared to permit broader lawful access. As recently as 29 September 2026, the Department of Justice confirmed that work on legislative amendments to ensure greater public access was continuing.

Cameron says he will push for clear answers.

“I will seek a clear timetable from the Department of Justice for the proposed amendments, the model of public access being considered and the safeguards that will protect victims and ensure that information is accurate and current.”

As part of his campaign, Cameron says he will, over the next 30 days, publish at least one photograph, name, verified conviction and sentence of an adult sexual offender whose conviction is already legitimately part of the public court record.

“For too long South Africans have learnt the names of women and children after it was too late to protect them. It is time we also know the names of the people our courts have convicted of committing these crimes.”

Cameron acknowledges that opening access to the register is not a substitute for fixing the criminal justice system.

“A database cannot investigate rape, process DNA, find a missing docket or prosecute an offender. South Africa still needs properly resourced FCS units, capable detectives, functioning forensic laboratories, prosecution-guided investigations and courts capable of dealing with sexual offences efficiently. The campaign will therefore focus on both the offenders our courts have convicted and the systems that should prevent the next victim.”

This is Nkosinathi Emmanuel Phakathi.

He was convicted on 148 charges, including 90 counts of rape. His victims included schoolchildren, with the youngest aged nine.

He was sentenced to 42 life terms plus 791 years and six months.

South Africa has a National Register for Sex Offenders, but ordinary South Africans cannot freely search it. We need lawful access to verified conviction information that can help people protect themselves and their children.

#OpenTheRegister

IC

— Ian Cameron (@IanCameron23) October 5, 2026