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Graphic representing whistleblowing
Anti-corruption activists are calling for tougher protection for whistleblowers in South Africa.
The Active Citizens Movement (ACM) has submitted proposed amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Bill to the Justice Department.
The civil society organisation warns that the current draft still leaves whistleblowers exposed and vulnerable.
The ACM’s executive member, Pops Rampersad, says without stronger legal safeguards, people exposing corruption will continue risking their lives, livelihoods and mental health.
“It’s been a five-year journey by ACM, engaging whistleblowers, analysing gaps, and drafting solutions. We have finally turned the promise of the Zondo Commission into a concrete bill. Now it’s over to the Department of Justice and Parliament to act. A few key proposals include an independent whistleblower commission headed by a retired judge, a whistleblower support fund financed from asset recoveries and fines, state-funded psychosocial support, including trauma counselling and psychiatric care and protection for refusal of unlawful orders.”
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