Delayed publication of sex offenders register allows thorough legislation review: Information Regulator

JOHANNESBURG - The Information Regulator believes a move to delay the publication of the sex offenders register is a positive step, citing it allows a thorough review of its alignment with Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) requirements.  

Last week, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi paused the publishing due to legal concerns.  

The Information Regulator has backed the decision, saying publishing the list must be done within the confines of the law.  

“The Information Regulator welcomes the decision of the minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to put a pause on the publication of the national register of sex offenders,” said spokesperson Mukelani Dimba.  

Currently, the legislative restriction has halted the release of the register, prompting a review of the existing laws to ensure compliance with the POPIA.  

The Information Regulator has committed to submitting a detailed report to Kubayi outlining steps to ensure the publication of sex offenders complies with POPIA requirements.  

“In a rules-based society such as South Africa, it is imperative that such action must fall within the confines of the law. This submission will detail the aspects of POPIA that will need to be addressed for the publication of the register to be in alignment with POPIA.”