Government has released sweeping reforms to strengthen protection for whistleblowers, acknowledging that fear of retaliation, financial ruin and assassination has silenced those who could expose corruption.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamaloko Kubayi on Thursday released the Protected Disclosures Bill for public comment, calling it a critical intervention to safeguard individuals who report wrongdoing.
The proposed legislation stems from findings of the State Capture Commission, known as the Zondo Commission, and recommendations from the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
Kubayi said existing laws have failed to protect whistleblowers adequately, with many suffering suspension, dismissal and delayed benefit payouts. Some have been killed.
She cited cases including Babita Deokaran, a senior finance official at the Gauteng Department of Health who was shot dead outside her home in Johannesburg in August 2021 after exposing corruption in a personal protective equipment tender worth more than R330 million.
Another case is that of Marius (Vlam) van der Merwe, a Madlanga Commission witness who exposed irregularities among members of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police, SAPS, and private security last year. Shortly after his testimony, he was gunned down in front of his family.
The minister also referenced Martha Ngoye, Athol Williams and Mpho Mafole as examples of individuals who suffered for exposing corruption.
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