Whistleblowers to be Honored in 2024 Awards by Public Interest South Africa

Public Interest South Africa (PISA) has made a call to the nation to recognize the valiant efforts of whistleblowers with the 2024 Whistleblowers Awards. The announcement is a rallying cry for nominations to honor individuals who have shown exceptional courage in exposing corrupt and unethical activities, a move that bolsters the pillars of democracy, ethics, and good governance.

PISA has long advocated for transparency and accountability, and in tying up with the Whistleblower Support Platform for Reform (WSPR), the group underscores the widespread support for truth-telling individuals in bureaucratic establishments. With backing from esteemed organizations such as Corruption Watch, the Whistleblower House, PPLAAF, SAIRAG, and others including the German developmental agency GIZ, the 2024 Whistleblowers Awards are set to be a landmark in celebrating moral rectitude.

The award categories, designed to embrace a broad spectrum of whistleblowing acts, will open for nominations on 29 July 2024 and close on 1 September 2024. The criterion for the awards encapsulates those who have displayed a steadfast commitment to the truth, often risking personal safety and professional careers.

The awards serve multiple purposes. Primarily to venerate the sacrifices whistleblowers make, they are also a critical public education tool about the significance of whistleblowing. Furthermore, the event will provide opportunities for networking, exchanging ideas, and augmenting strategies among campaigners of whistleblower protection.

Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of PISA, emphasized the role of whistleblowers as guardians against the tides of corruption that have threatened the nation's integrity. The recent turbulence of state capture and pervasive graft, he said, would remain unchecked if it weren’t for the audacity of these individuals. Moreover, the annual awards ceremony provides an essential platform for these heroes to gain recognition, making an otherwise unseen struggle visible.

Khaas and the consortium of partners encourage eligible individuals and organizations to come forward and participate in this valorous act of commendation, shining a spotlight on the importance of moral conscience in public life.

For detailed information regarding the nomination process, eligibility criteria, and to submit entries, interested parties are urged to visit the PISA website.