By: Zilungile Mkhize
Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has emphasised that offering incentives to whistleblowers could significantly bolster the fight against corruption in South Africa.
Delivering the keynote address at the 15th Commonwealth Regional Conference for Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Africa, currently underway in Cape Town, Zondo highlighted the critical role that protected and motivated whistleblowers can play in exposing unethical conduct.
Justice Zondo, who previously chaired the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector—including organs of state—said that incentivising whistleblowers would be a meaningful step toward curbing entrenched corruption.
The State Capture Commission, often referred to as the Zondo Commission, unearthed widespread corruption involving senior government officials, state-owned enterprises, and private sector entities. Zondo noted that many potential whistleblowers are deterred by fear of retaliation, job loss, or even threats to their safety.
“Introducing proper incentives and robust protection mechanisms could encourage more people to come forward with vital information,” he said. “This would go a long way in cleansing the system of corrupt practices.”
The conference, hosted under the auspices of the Commonwealth Secretariat, brings together anti-corruption leaders from across the continent to share strategies, foster collaboration, and strengthen institutional frameworks in the ongoing battle against corruption.
Listen to the full bulletin below:
