IR backs halt of sexual offenders register publication
The Information Regulator has welcomed Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi’s decision to temporarily halt the publication of the National Register of Sex Offenders.
The ministry blamed the delay on stringent confidentiality and disclosure provisions under the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act.
The deadline for the public release was scheduled for 28 February.
Current legislation prohibits publication due to concerns about compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
The regulator said it will submit recommendations to align the register’s publication with privacy laws.
“The regulator supports the minister’s decision fully. Currently, the legislation providing for the compilation, maintenance and dissemination of the NRSO prohibits its publication,” said the regulator’s Mukelani Dimba.
"An additional concern for the regulator was that it was not clear how the department intended to ensure that the publication of the NRSO would be consistent with the eight conditions for lawful processing of personal information in terms of the POPIA."
The regulator will make a submission for consideration by the minister.
"This submission will detail aspects of POPIA that will need to be addressed for the publication of the NRSO to be in alignment with POPIA.”
