Strengthening Disclosure Act vital for protecting whistleblowers: Nel – SABC News
Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister Andries Nel says strengthening the existing Protection Disclosure Act will go a long way in protecting whistleblowers.
He addressed the annual Whistleblowers Summit hosted by Public Interest South Africa in Johannesburg.
Nel says the delay in realigning the current legislation is of serious concern and continues to endanger those who want to share information on corruption among others.
He believes caring for whistleblowers must go beyond their safety.
Nel says, “We do have legislation in terms of the Disclosure Protection Act, which was passed in 2000, which is a major step ahead. It does provide protection especially in the employment context but we’ve seen that in recent years how whistleblowers have been victimised and, in many cases, they lost their lives but there are recommendations by the National Anti-corruption Advisory Council how existing legislation can be improved.”
He also emphasised the need to support Chapter 9 institutions to scale up the fight against corruption and protect whistleblowers.
Nel adds, “In that regard we work very closely with the Public Protector (PP). We are constitutionally obliged and we do support their work. We are very happy that at the time of financial and fiscal constraint, the PP is one of those institutions whose budget has continued to grow in recognition of the very important role that they continue to play.”