Government unveils draft bill to strengthen whistleblower protection
· The South African
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has released a draft Protected Disclosure Bill aimed at strengthening protection for whistleblowers.
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Kubayi said the proposal seeks public and civil society input before the department moves forward.
The bill introduces measures to protect the identities of people who report corruption and to shield them from retaliation.
Stronger whistleblower protection
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has published a draft Protected Disclosure Bill to strengthen protections for whistleblowers.
She said the department is inviting input from the public and civil society before taking the proposal further.
The department is considering financial support for whistleblowers, but Kubayi made it clear that it will not involve large cash rewards linked to the value of exposed corruption.
Kubayi said the government is looking at minimum payments and practical forms of support rather than large cash rewards.
She added that partnerships with the private sector could help shield whistleblowers from financial hardship.
For instance, banks could hold off on repossessing homes or vehicles if someone loses their job after speaking out.
Kubayi also called on the public to suggest other ways to support whistleblowers.
Bill aims to close legal gaps
Kubayi said current laws fall short when it comes to protecting whistleblowers and dealing with corruption complaints.
The draft bill sets out clear definitions of corruption-related complaints and workplace harm, while also outlining more structured processes for reporting and handling cases.
The bill places strong emphasis on protecting whistleblowers’ identities, limiting access to their information unless absolutely necessary.
It also proposes closed court proceedings and the removal of identifying details in legal processes to prevent exposure.
Kubayi said any breach of confidentiality would be treated as a criminal offence.
Fast-tracking the bill
While the bill does not yet include full witness protection measures, Kubayi said the department is considering this option.
She added that once the public consultation process ends, the department plans to fast-track the bill through Parliament.