Whistleblowers Under Attack, South Africa’s Promises Must Become Protection
Supporters attend the International Anti-Corruption Day Commemoration in Durban, South Africa, December 8, 2024. © 2024 Eliah July/Gallo Images via Getty Images
South Africa’s repeated failure to protect whistleblowers has culminated in deadly reprisals, including the 2025 murders of municipal auditor Mpho Mafole and whistleblower Marius Van Der Merwe, prompting Human Rights Watch to press for urgent legal reform and accountability (Human Rights Watch, Feb 2026).
President Ramaphosa renewed a pledge to table a Whistleblower Protection Bill in parliament, but interim protections remain inadequate and attacks continue.
A credible protection regime needs prompt passage of a comprehensive bill, strengthened witness protection, confidential reporting channels, legal aid for whistleblowers and swift investigations into threats and killings. Without enforceable safeguards, corruption will remain shrouded in fear, and those who speak out will pay with their lives.
Sources: Human Rights Watch, Feb 2026.
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