Tony Lawrence Who are the “vulnerable groups” that must be protected? Based on the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 32 of 2007, as extended by the 2021 Amendment Act, the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) in South Africa protects... 5 Mar 2026
Tony Lawrence The process to apply for a Sex Offenders Register check is free. But why is a police clearance required that has a cost attached? The Department of Justice (DoJ) needs a police clearance (specifically a SAPS 69i fingerprint report ) or a Criminal Clearance (obtainable through designated companies and done electronically) to chec... 16 Feb 2026
Tony Lawrence What is the standard process to apply for a Sex Offenders Register Check? And, what is the CPS process in comparison? The standard process for vetting against the NRSO consists of these steps: An applicant will need to make an application for a SAPS Police Clearance Report ... 29 Jan 2026
Tony Lawrence Misconceptions about the need for screening. As service providers and childcare workers in the child safeguarding space, we are encountering so many organisations working with children who are ignorant about the legally required screening and ve... 27 Jan 2026
Tony Lawrence The implications of the 32500 names on the NRSO. In March 2025 it was reported that there’s at least 32500 names on the National Sex Offenders Register (NSOR). See : How big is the national sex offenders register? Here's one estimate and National Se... 22 Jan 2026
Tony Lawrence How often must the staff and volunteers be screened? There is no specific law that mandates employers to have their employees and volunteers screened on a regular basis although it is recommended that they are re-screened every 2 years as per the follow... 19 Jan 2026
Tony Lawrence Parents have an important role to play in ensuring the teachers of their children are screened. “The purpose of the CPR (Child Protection Register) is to ensure that children are protected from abuse. Employers or potential employers are encouraged to take reasonable steps to minimise the risk o... 16 Jan 2026
Tony Lawrence What are the implications to the organization if it does not screen it’s staff and volunteers? If an organization does not screen its staff and volunteers against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) and the National Child Protection Register, it faces several implications: Legal Comp... 15 Jan 2026
Tony Lawrence Safeguarding Children - one key legislated requirement. Any employee or volunteer may be appointed to serve the children in your care because of their excellent academic competencies and accreditations and work experience. However, one legal compliancy req... 8 Jan 2026
