Ramaphosa’s Whistleblower Protection Bill: A Step Toward Ending Corruption or Just a First Step

Ramaphosa’s Whistleblower Protection Bill: A Step Toward Ending Corruption or Just a First Step

Podcast

Ramaphosa’s Whistleblower Protection Bill: A Step Toward Ending Corruption or Just a First Step

Podcast

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Sentebale states that the Whistleblower Protection Bill is a response to public outcry, acknowledging that while South Africa already has the Protected Disclosures Act and the Witness Protection Act, commissions such as the Zondo Commission have identified significant gaps and loopholes. These shortcomings prevent the level of protection envisioned in Article 32 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, particularly in cases of fraud and corruption. The Bill aims to address these specific gaps.

Sentebale further highlights that the Protected Disclosures Act is limited to employees, leaving volunteers, external parties, and third-party individuals vulnerable to corruption-related risks. This lack of comprehensive coverage underscores the need for legislation that extends protection to all potential whistleblowers while eliminating the risk of victimisation.

Additionally, Sentebale emphasises the need to strengthen regulatory bodies such as the Public Protector, the South African Human Rights Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Centre. The Bill would enhance existing protections, ensuring whistleblowers are safeguarded against exposure and retaliation. By decentralising whistleblower protection and creating a dedicated legal framework, the Bill aims to prevent the compromises and security breaches that have previously placed whistleblowers at risk. It also establishes clearer guidelines for protecting whistleblower disclosures.

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