Inaugural Whistleblower Awards Calls for Transparency, Protection and Action against Corruption in South Africa

South Africa bore witness to the inaugural Whistleblower Awards at the Venue in Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on 26th October, presented by advocacy group Public Interest SA. The event, which saw attendees such as retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke and Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, provided an avenue to honour bold journalists, active citizens, and civil organisations, who risk their lives and employments exposing injustice.

Sipho Ngwema, master of the ceremonies representing Competition Commission, opened the gala emphasising the importance of these whistleblowers and the need for society to challenge the culture of silence and fear empowering corruption. South Africa ranks only 72nd out of 180 in the Corruption Perception Index by Transparency International, with its laws for whistleblower protection falling short of international standards.

The event duly acknowledged whistleblowers who have lost their lives in the fight against corruption, with the Fallen Heroes of Integrity Award remembering figures like Babita Deokaran, Jimmy Mohlala and Marumo Phenya, who were assassinated due to their endeavour for justice.

The gala, however, also celebrated the persistent whistleblowers grappling with corruption. The award categories spanned across Individual Whistleblower Excellence, Civil Society Champion, Investigative Journalism Excellence, and the Sherpa Award for Whistleblower Support. Of these, former Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela received the 2023 Public Interest SA Chair’s Special Award for Social Justice.

The event highlighted the government's need for ensuring whistleblower protection, with President Cyril Ramaphosa seeking to bolster the Protected Disclosures Act and Witness Protection Act. However, Justice Moseneke questioned the need for additional legislation, stressing instead on their effective enforcement. He further urged the government to provide a detailed account of its steps against corruption and witness protection.

Lastly, Moseneke accentuated the importance of the state taking whistleblowing seriously and acting upon it effectively.