By the end of February, Minister Kubayi will release the list of convicted sexual offenders and GBV perpetrators.

By the end of February 2025, a complete list of convicted sexual offenders and GBV perpetrators will be made public, according to Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi. She made this declaration on January 28, 2025, in Soweto, during her speech at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s “365 Days Against GBV Awareness Campaign.”

Launched in 1998, the “365 Days Against GBV Awareness Campaign” is a year-round initiative aimed at ending gender-based violence in South Africa. Former President Kgalema Motlanthe, community members, and other stakeholders dedicated to tackling the GBV epidemic were present at the latest gathering.

Minister Kubayi, who took office over two months ago, stressed how urgent it is that the public have access to the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO). One of the concerns raised when I started working on the portfolio, she said, was the necessity for our department to publish the list of people convicted and punished for gender-based violence in order to safeguard our children. The registration will be open to the public by the end of February 2025, since I have agreed that we can share this.

The choice to make the NRSO more widely known is consistent with continuous attempts to fortify laws against GBV. Plans to modernize 100 district courts to offer specialized services for GBV survivors were highlighted by Minister Kubayi. “I just wanted to let you know that we plan to modernize 100 district courts to provide services specifically designed for victims of gender-based abuse. This will help us create a favorable environment, but we also need experts in those courts who know how to deal with victims, families, and offer support and counseling,” she continued.

“We are here to challenge the culture of impunity and shame that protects abusers,” said Gugu Motlanthe, Executive Trustee of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, reinforcing the need for swift action. We are all important to women in sports and beyond. It is the duty of society to put an end to abuse and violence against women committed by powerful males. We urge leaders to give this issue the urgency it requires. Provide funds for legal aid, hotlines, and shelters.”