The Chairman's ProPublica Heroes of Integrity Award is a prestigious accolade presented by Public Interest SA to individuals who have exhibited exceptional courage, ethical leadership, and unwavering dedication to upholding integrity in the public or private sectors. This award honours those who, often at significant personal or professional cost, have stood firm against corruption, advocated for the public interest, and upheld accountability in their respective fields.

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Purpose

This Award serves as a beacon of inspiration, recognising individuals who have taken extraordinary actions to safeguard transparency, fairness, and justice. Whether by exposing wrongdoing, reforming systems, leading by courage, or championing ethical governance, these recipients demonstrate a profound commitment to the public good. The award aims to encourage others to follow their example and instill a culture of accountability and integrity within society.

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The award is granted exclusively at the discretion of the Chairperson of Public Interest SA, following consultations with a team of advisors.

 

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Criteria for Selection

Award recipients are chosen based on:

• Uncompromising ethical standards: Their commitment to acting with integrity, even in the face of significant adversity or risk.

• Impact on public accountability: Their contributions to strengthening systems of accountability, combating corruption, or promoting good governance.

• Inspiration to others: Their ability to serve as role models, inspiring ethical behaviour and action within their communities.

 

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Past Recipients

 

Advocate Bulelani Ngcuka (2022): The inaugural recipient, Adv. Bulelani Ngcuka, South Africa's first National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), was honored for his fearless leadership and principled stance in fighting corruption. His efforts in pursuing justice and accountability during his tenure laid a strong foundation for ethical governance, even amidst complex political pressures.​

 

Professor Thuli Madonsela (2023): The 2023 recipient, Professor Thuli Madonsela, is celebrated for her unwavering commitment to social justice and accountability. As the former Public Protector of South Africa, her courageous advocacy for human rights and her tireless efforts to combat corruption have made a lasting impact on the country’s governance landscape.

 

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Vision and Legacy

The Chairman's ProPublica Heroes of Integrity Award embodies Public Interest SA's mission to promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability. By honouring individuals who exhibit these qualities, the award not only acknowledges their courageous contributions but also sends a powerful message that integrity is essential to societal progress.

 

This award is part of a broader vision to create a legacy where ethical governance is celebrated and upheld. Through this recognition, Public Interest SA aims to motivate future leaders to maintain the highest ethical standards in both public service and private enterprise, ultimately building a more accountable, transparent, and just society.

 

By shining a spotlight on these heroes of integrity, the ProPublica Heroes of Integrity Award helps to inspire a broader commitment to ethical behavior, creating a lasting impact that ripples through communities and strengthens democracy.

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