Whistleblowing – still important

Whistleblowers are the unsung heroes of anti-corruption. South Africa’s proposal that they will provide protection for them in South Africa, is a good signal by their government. Whistleblowers in many parts of the world are viewed as snitches, unreliable, and having an axe to grind. I’ve heard it all and, in this day and age, we should realize that those who are brave enough to stand up and take a chance on reporting corruption wherever they see it deserve our respect, support and protection.

In South Africa , the Department of Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi addressing the media on the outcomes of the inaugural meeting of the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) Technical Meeting, which was held this week and noted that “We must…recognise the indispensable role of whistleblowers in uncovering corruption. Their courage in exposing wrongdoing often comes at a significant personal risk. Therefore, enhancing whistleblower protection remains at the top of our priorities as government. 

“South Africa is set to introduce the Whistleblower Protection Bill in Parliament this year reinforcing our commitment to strengthen legal safeguards for those who report corruption.

“We do this knowing very well that whistleblowers are the cornerstone of our fight against corruption,” he said.

What should be done now? As always, encourage government to follow through, which means that civil society and donors should keep the pressure on the South African government. Certainly publicizing this positive development, but also ensuring that there is a timeline for the next steps. It is good to see that this is one of the good developments from the working group meeting.

Link: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/whistleblowers-cornerstone-fighting-corruption