Public invited to comment on Protected Disclosures Bill by May 14


The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has invited the public to make submissions on the Protected Disclosures Bill, also known as the Whistle Blower Bill which is open for public comment until the 14th of May.

The proposed legislation seeks to address weaknesses in the existing Protected Disclosures Act, which has often failed to adequately protect whistle blowers.

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi unveiled the Bill earlier on Thursday, stating that its purpose is to create secure reporting outlets, protect individuals from retaliation, and ensure that disclosures are handled by capable institutions.

Justice Deputy Minister, Andries Nel has says the the safety of potential whistle blowers is of utmost importance to government.

“As government and as the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, in particular, we are absolutely committed to the protection of whistle blowers. That is also why we are promoting this legislation. We know that legislation doesn’t execute itself. But we believe that this is a very important step in the right direction. We’re hoping to proceed as fast as possible with this legislation to parliament, to get in place so that jointly we can all start the work of implementing it and making sure that it is properly and successfully implemented.”