Skip to main content
News

Victory for Child Safety: Teddy Bear Foundation Wins Landmark Case Against the Minister for NSOR Registration Failure

Victory for Child Safety: In a groundbreaking ruling that reaffirms our unyielding commitment to child protection, the Teddy Bear Foundation has successfully sued the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development for systemic failures in registering convicted sex offenders on the National Sex Offenders Register (NSOR). This victory, handed down just weeks ago in the High Court of South Africa, marks a pivotal moment in our fight against the scourge of child sexual abuse. It’s not just a legal win it’s a lifeline for vulnerable children and families across the nation, ensuring that no predator slips through the cracks due to bureaucratic neglect.
For too long, South Africa’s child protection mechanisms have been undermined by administrative lapses that allow convicted offenders to evade scrutiny. In this case, Teddy Bear Foundation v Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, we represented the interests of survivors and the broader community by challenging the Minister’s failure to promptly and accurately register an offender convicted of heinous sexual crimes against a minor. Despite a clear court order mandating inclusion on the NSOR under the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act of 2007, the offender’s details were inexplicably omitted for over two years exposing countless children to undue risk.
Our evidence laid bare the human cost: delayed registrations mean offenders continue to access positions of trust, such as in schools, community centers, or even family networks, where they can reoffend. Drawing on our frontline expertise, we submitted affidavits from affected families and expert analyses showing that such failures contribute to the alarming statistic of over 10,000 reported child rape cases quarterly, as highlighted in recent crime statistics. The court agreed, declaring the omission unconstitutional and ordering immediate rectification, along with enhanced protocols to prevent future oversights. This includes mandatory timelines for NSOR updates and independent audits, steps that will safeguard not just one case, but an entire generation. This ruling comes at a critical juncture, amid ongoing debates about making the NSOR fully public. While we applaud Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi’s February 2025 commitment to phased publication (starting with vetted access for child-facing organizations), delays due to POPIA compliance concerns have only amplified the urgency.
Our case underscores that true protection demands both transparency and accountability without it, the register remains a hollow promise. At the Teddy Bear Foundation, we don’t just litigate; we lead. Founded in 2000 as a beacon of hope in Johannesburg, we’ve grown into South Africa’s foremost advocate for child survivors of abuse, blending cutting-edge legal advocacy with
compassionate, evidence-based healing. Our position is crystal clear: every child deserves a future unmarred by trauma, and every family deserves unwavering support to reclaim their lives. We stand as fierce guardians against systemic failures, but more importantly, as compassionate guides on the healing journey. As leaders in victim advocacy, we’ve shaped national policy through landmark victories like the 2013 Teddy Bear Clinic case, which decriminalized consensual acts among adolescents, and the 2014 J v NDPP ruling, which introduced judicial discretion to NSOR listings for child offenders. These aren’t abstract wins, they’ve expunged hundreds of young people from unwarranted stigma, allowing them to rebuild without lifelong barriers. Today, our advocacy extends to pushing for a fully digitized, publicly accessible NSOR, as emphasized in our recent parliamentary submissions.


We provide free, trauma-informed services to over 5,000 children and families annually, including:

Forensic Assessments and Counseling: Specialized therapy that addresses the psychological scars of abuse, using play-based techniques to help children process their experiences without fear.

Legal and Court Preparation Support: From navigating prosecutions to securing protection orders, we ensure victims’ voices are heard and protected.

Diversion and Rehabilitation Programs: For young offenders, often victims themselves. We offer restorative justice pathways, reducing recidivism by up to 70% through education and mentorship.

Community Education and Prevention: Workshops for parents, teachers, and communities on spotting grooming behaviors and fostering safe spaces, reaching thousands via partnerships with schools and NGOs.

Our approach is rooted in the science of resilience: trauma isn’t a life sentence. With tools like our proprietary “Healing Pathways” framework, developed from two decades of clinical insights, we guide families from crisis to empowerment. We’ve seen children who once lived in silence graduate as confident leaders, and parents who felt powerless become fierce advocates. This is the Teddy Bear Foundation difference! We heal not just individuals, but entire communities. Join Us in Building a Safer Tomorrow! This lawsuit is a reminder that change demands vigilance. While we celebrate this success, the road ahead includes amplifying calls for NSOR publication amid stalled legislative reviews. We urge Parliament to expedite amendments, ensuring the register’s 32,000+ entries (and growing) serve as a shield, not a secret. To our supporters, partners, and fellow advocates: Thank you for standing with us. For more on our work or to access our free resources, visit teddybearfoundation.org.za. Let’s prioritize ongoing support for victims and families—because breaking the cycle of abuse starts with us. #ChildProtection #EndChildAbuse #NSOR #TeddyBearFoundation #TraumaHealing #VictimAdvocacy #SouthAfricaStrong

Read full article

Leave a Reply

Get Help

HELP IS A PHONE CALL AWAY

Childline 116
Teddy Bear Foundation 083-557-3720

Click here for assistance in your area