Following President Cyril Ramaphosa's speech on Sunday, Omphemetse Sibanda, reflects on the country's whistleblower laws, which he says provides little safety to those who choose to speak out.
The protection of whistleblowers has taken centre stage in the South African public discourse. The spotlight around safety concerns deserves to be shone on the those who lift the lid on the criminal enterprise. This is all thanks to President Cyril Ramaphosa's public address on Sunday on his plans to implement the Zondo Commission report.
Many would consider the President's public address as yet another story of old wine in new bottles. The anti-climax of Cyril Ramaphosa's speech aside, his efforts must be commended. But, his ANC-led government could do more to protect whistleblowers.
More needs to be done
I am reminded of the 2014 statement by Stephen Kohn, Executive Director of the National Whistle-blower Centre, who said:
"The right of every … citizen to truthfully testify about criminal activities, including fraud in government contracting, is a cornerstone to democracy. Criminals – even if they are high-ranking elected officials or billionaire bankers, cannot retaliate against any person who truthfully testifies about their crimes."
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