The Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activity Act (PRECCA) clearly states that officials who are aware of malfeasance but fail to report it can be held criminally accountable. Given this situation, whistleblowers deserve protection.
Legislation governing whistleblowers includes the Protected Disclosures Act, No. 26 of 2000, the Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000; the Local Government Act, No. 56 of 2003 (MFMA); and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) No. 12 of 2004.
These Acts protect employees who disclose unlawful or irregular conduct, safeguarding them against victimisation (e.g. dismissal, demotion, harassment, intimidation, and further victimisation). Municipalities must have formal whistleblower mechanisms, processes and reporting channels in place. Weskus uses the National Anti-corruption Hotline, among others, as a vehicle that allows a degree of anonymity.
While laws protect whistleblowers, Maurice believes that applying these laws depends on a municipality’s executive team, managers and officials being committed to sound governance and ethical leadership.
