SARS, civil organisations call on govt to inject funding to protect whistleblowers
On Thursday, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse, Defend Our Democracy, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation picketed outside the tax offices in Tshwane in solidarity with whistleblowers.
Several civic organisations gathered outside the South African Revenue Service (SARS) headquarters in Tshwane to demonstrate for whistleblowers' safety on 29 August 2024. Picture: Mongezi Koko/Eyewitness News
TSHWANE - The South African Revenue Service (SARS) and civil organisation groups have called on the government to inject funding to protect whistleblowers.
On Thursday, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), Defend Our Democracy, and the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation picketed outside the tax offices in Tshwane in solidarity with whistleblowers.
The demonstration was sparked by July’s assassination attempt on advocate Coreth Naude, who was working for SARS in a high-profile case.
At least a dozen people bearing signs with Naude’s name on them sang struggle songs as they stood in solidarity with her.
Although the catalyst for the demonstration, other fallen and unprotected whistleblowers formed part of the conversation.
Kabelo Kemp spoke on behalf of Defend Our Democracy: “We will be relentless in our demand for accountability and justice, not just for Advocate Naude.”
SARS Deputy Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu, who stood in solidarity with the organisations, echoed Kemp’s sentiments.
“Protective disclosure, we think it should be fast-tracked so that those that do whistleblowing have got the confidence that they are covered by law.”
Meanwhile, investigations into the attempted murder of Naude are ongoing.