Kubabyi Brings GBVF Fight To Soweto
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will bring the government’s campaign against gender-based violence and femicide to Soweto on Saturday, 17 October, hosting a Community Imbizo at Phiri Sports Ground.
The event forms part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for a coordinated government and society response to GBVF, and will raise awareness of the scourge while explaining the purpose and operation of the National Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO).
FREEDOM MARCH AGAINST GBVF
The programme will begin with a 600-metre “Freedom March Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide” from Phiri Public Library to the Phiri Sports Ground .
The march is intended to call on residents to speak out against abuse and support victims and survivors. Following the march, Minister Kubayi will participate in a dialogue with community members, responding directly to the concerns and issues they raise regarding GBVF.
UNDERSTANDING THE NRSO
A key focus of the Imbizo will be the National Register for Sexual Offenders (NRSO), which the Department of Justice is seeking to make publicly accessible .
The NRSO was established by an Act of Parliament in 2007 and contains the names of people found guilty of sexual offences against children and people with intellectual disabilities . As of the 2024/25 financial year, the register had 32,628 active entries.
Currently, access to the register is restricted to employers who work with vulnerable groups, such as schools, crèches, and hospitals, who must apply for clearance certificates. Information in the register is not open to the public.
The Department of Justice is finalising two draft legislative amendments that could open the register to public access. Legal services head Steven Ralekwa said the drafts are complete and will be presented to the Minister by the end of October.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS
For Soweto residents, the Imbizo provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with national leadership on an issue that affects every community in South Africa.
The Teddy Bear Foundation will participate in support of the initiative, and exhibition stands by various stakeholders will provide residents with information on available services.
