By Mapaballo Borotho
- The South African government has introduced a new bill aimed at strengthening protection for whistleblowers.
- The legislation includes measures to protect identities, provide legal support, and ensure proper handling of disclosures.
- It comes amid ongoing concerns over the safety of whistleblowers, some of whom have been killed after exposing corruption.
Have you always wanted to expose corruption in your workplace but were too scared that your identity might be revealed and your life put in danger? You no longer have to worry about that.
The South African government has introduced a new bill that seeks to strengthen the protection of whistleblowers in the country, particularly in their workplaces.
Outlined by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mamoloko Kubayi, on Thursday, 09 April 2026, the Protected Disclosure Bill will introduce a stronger and more comprehensive framework for the protection of whistleblowers.
It comes amid ongoing concerns over the safety of whistleblowers, some of whom have been killed after exposing corruption.
One of the whistleblowers’ cases that sent shockwaves across the country was the murder of Gauteng Department of Health employee Babita Deokaran, who was gunned down outside her home in Mondeor, Johannesburg in 2021.
Another case is that of the Head of Forensic Audits at the City of Ekurhuleni, Mpho Mafole, who was fatally shot while driving along the R23 in Kempton Park, east of Johannesburg.
There are many more cases like these, some made it into the public eye, while others did not. However, they all highlight the lack of protection for whistleblowers in South Africa.
Mamoloko Kubayi says the Protected Disclosure Bill will ensure that individuals who come forward with information have a more secure channel and are protected from retaliation.
“Their disclosures will be handled appropriately by capacitated individuals and institutions. We have drawn this bill from international best practices, including comparative research across jurisdictions such as Australia, Canada, Uganda, Namibia, Botswana, and the United Kingdom,” she said.
The bill seeks to address several key areas
- It prohibits the disclosure of the identity of whistleblowers, meaning no information that could lead to their identification may be released.
- It provides restricted access to information in court proceedings and reduces identifying details in legal processes to prevent individuals from being traced.
- If a whistleblower cannot afford legal representation, courts may refer the matter to Legal Aid South Africa, which will provide assistance at the state’s expense.
- The bill introduces a complaints mechanism overseen by a retired judge, allowing whistleblowers and their relatives to lodge complaints if their disclosures are not properly handled.
- It also provides access to witness protection.
The Minister says the bill will apply to both the public and private sectors.
“All employers in the public and private sectors are required to develop procedures for receiving and managing disclosures, and to appoint an official responsible for handling such matters,” Kubayi added.
She said any information on corruption received should be acknowledged within five days, a decision taken within ten days, and investigations completed within 12 months.
“If there are extensions to the timeframe, reasons must be provided explaining why the extension should be granted,” she added.
She also urged the public not to abuse the bill to protect themselves from wrongdoing.
“If you were involved in corrupt activities and learn you are about to be exposed, then decide to become a whistleblower, you will not be protected,” she said.
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