Build One South Africa (Bosa) is championing a critical cause by launching a petition to make South Africa’s national register of sexual offenders (NRSO) accessible to the public. With over 3,900 signatures already collected, the movement signifies a widespread desire for increased transparency in the fight against gender-based violence.
Deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster highlighted the urgency of this initiative in light of the tragic passing of Uyinene Mrwetyana. She emphasized the importance of knowing the names of perpetrators, not just the victims, to prevent unknowingly coming into contact with dangerous individuals.
The statistics reveal a concerning trend, with nearly 53,500 sexual crimes reported in the 2022/23 financial year, including over 7,500 cases of sexual assault. The total number of sexual offences peaked in 2012/13 at around 60,900 cases, underscoring the pressing need for improved mechanisms to protect communities.