MEDIA STATEMENT
Public Interest SA Applauds the National Lotteries Commission for Addressing Whistleblower Injustice, Calls for Further Ethical Reforms
Johannesburg, South Africa, Tuesday, 30 September 2024 – Public Interest SA commends the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) for taking significant steps to correct the severe injustice faced by staff members dismissed after exposing corruption within the organisation. This move acknowledges the immense personal and professional hardships these courageous individuals have endured, and their redress represents a crucial victory in the broader fight against corruption.
The recent announcement by NLC Commissioner Jodi Scholtz, revealing the agency’s intent to address the suffering of whistleblowers, including through potential reparations, is a critical first step. Scholtz’s recognition of the devastating impact on these individuals, many of whom have had their lives turned upside down, underscores the importance of protecting those who stand up against corruption in the public interest.
However, while these initial measures are commendable, Public Interest SA calls for a deeper commitment from the NLC in ensuring that such injustices never happen again. As part of a long-term strategy to foster a culture of accountability and transparency, we urge the NLC to conduct a comprehensive audit of its ethics and whistleblower ecosystem. Such an audit should be a cornerstone in the establishment of a more resilient anti-corruption framework that not only supports whistleblowers but actively protects them from retaliation.
Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA, emphasised the broader implications of these efforts:
"The vindication of these whistleblowers, although long overdue, is a much-needed tonic in the fight against corruption. Their integrity, demonstrated in the face of adversity, deserves our utmost respect and support. However, it is not enough to merely apologise and offer reparations. The NLC must take proactive steps to fortify its internal mechanisms to ensure whistleblowers are celebrated as defenders of integrity rather than punished. This moment presents an opportunity for the NLC to set a new ethical benchmark for public entities across the country."
In light of this, Public Interest SA remains committed to advocating for stronger protections and a more enabling environment for whistleblowers, whose invaluable contributions play a pivotal role in ensuring transparency and good governance.
The recent revelations of funds misused, as seen in projects like the failed R20-million old age home initiative, highlight the gravity of the situation and the need for sustained vigilance. It underscores that corruption is not a victimless crime as communities are deprived of critical infrastructure needed for their developmental needs. We will continue to monitor the NLC's actions closely and offer our support in driving ethical reforms within the agency.
Lest we forgot, whistleblowers matter!
ENDS
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Note to Editors: Upcoming Whistleblowers Awards & Summit 2024
Public Interest SA will be hosting the highly anticipated Whistleblowers Awards & Summit 2024 on 23-24 October 2024 at the Maslow Hotel Time Square, Menlyn, Pretoria. This landmark event will bring together leading voices from civil society, government, business, and the media to celebrate the courageous individuals who have risked their livelihoods to expose corruption and wrongdoing in both the public and private sectors.
The summit will serve as a platform for critical discussions on the role of whistleblowing in fostering transparency and accountability in South Africa. It will feature a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, presentations, and keynote addresses by prominent figures, including ethics experts, investigative journalists, corporate governance specialists, and human rights advocates.
Key highlights of the two-day event include:
The Whistleblowers Awards Gala Dinner (23 October 2024): A ceremony honouring whistleblowers who have demonstrated exemplary courage and integrity in their efforts to expose corruption.
The Whistleblowers Summit (24 October 2024): Panel discussions and presentations addressing critical topics such as nurturing whistleblower resilience, the synergy between whistleblowing and investigative journalism, and corporate governance.
Public Interest SA remains committed to advocating for stronger protections and more robust legal frameworks to safeguard whistleblowers, who are often at the frontline of the fight against corruption.
For media accreditation and further event details, please contact:
Kanyi Booi on kanyi@publicinterest.org.za
We look forward to your coverage of this important event aimed at fostering a culture of accountability and ethical leadership in South Africa.
ENDS
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