Gcaleka bemoans govt’s slow pace in strengthening SA’s whistleblowing legislation

Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has bemoaned the slow pace of government in strengthening the country’s whistleblowing legislation.

She said that the death of Tembisa Hospital whistleblower Babita Deokaran is an indictment on government’s collective failure to protect those brave enough to expose wrongdoing.

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Gcaleka was among those who gathered at Stellenbosch University on Wednesday to commemorate Deokaran on World Anti-Corruption Day in an inaugural lecture, four years since she was gunned down in front of her home.

On Friday night, security specialist Marius van der Merwe died in a similar fashion after testifying anonymously at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry probing police corruption.

Gcaleka said it’s been two years since her office submitted proposals to the Department of Justice in response to a discussion document, but still, there’s been no movement on tightening the law.

“There’s a need for financial protection, there’s a need for security, there’s a need for protection of their integrity. There needs to be education and awareness.”

Gcaleka has backed the calls by civil society groups who also spoke at Wednesday’s commemorative event for a dedicated whistleblower authority and for corruption recovery funds to be used for this purpose.

“Most importantly, we need a redress for those whistleblowers who were identified during the Zondo Commission because it doesn’t inspire confidence in other people who want to blow the whistle because they remain prejudiced.”

Gcaleka said a cultural shift is also required to stop whistleblowers from being viewed as troublemakers, disloyal employees or threats to institutional stability.