As South Africa looks ahead to potentially stronger protections for whistle-blowers, the focus is shifting to whether the revised Protected Disclosures Bill will provide the support needed by those who expose wrongdoing.

The Bill is intended to strengthen South Africa’s legal framework for protecting and supporting whistle-blowers who expose corruption, misconduct, and other wrongdoing. The development comes as South Africa marks five years since the assassination of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, whose murder has renewed calls for stronger protection for those who speak out against corruption.

The department of justice and constitutional development said it has received a significant number of submissions from organisations and individuals regarding the proposed legislation. The department said the comments will now be incorporated into the draft legislation before it is submitted to parliament.

Speaking to SABC News Whistleblower House CEO Ben Theron said his organisation was encouraged by some of the provisions contained in the bill, particularly because they address several areas of support the organisation has been providing to whistle-blowers since its establishment.

“The bill was published earlier this year and opened for public comment for a month,” said Theron. “The next step will be important for organisations such as Whistleblower House to assess how the public submissions have been incorporated.

“We are very eager for that bill to become available for public...

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