Courage Deserves Recognition. Truth Deserves Protection.
Join us as we honour the extraordinary courage of those who speak truth to power, celebrate the defenders of integrity, and unite voices committed to building a more ethical, accountable and just South Africa.
26–27 October 2026
The Venue | High Street, Melrose Arch | Johannesburg, South Africa
4th Annual Whistleblowers Awards & Summit
WHEN COURAGE SPEAKS, SOCIETY MUST LISTEN.
Whistleblowers are among democracy's most courageous defenders. They expose coraruption, challenge abuses of power, confront wrongdoing and safeguard the public interest — often at enormous personal cost.
Yet, too often, those who dare to speak out face intimidation, victimisation, professional ruin, persecution and even death.
The 2026 Whistleblowers Awards & Summit, presented by Public Interest SA, brings together courageous individuals, public institutions, business leaders, civil society, policymakers and communities to recognise extraordinary acts of integrity and advance meaningful protections for those who expose wrongdoing.
Now in its fourth year, this landmark initiative is more than an awards ceremony or a conference. It is a national call to conscience — a declaration that courage must be celebrated, integrity must be defended, and accountability must become the foundation of our democracy.
We honour the courageous. We remember the fallen. We champion reform.
EXPLORE THE AWARDS | DISCOVER THE SUMMIT
The primary goal of the Whistleblower Awards is to recognise and celebrate individuals who courageously expose unethical practices while promoting a culture of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability within organisations and across society.
TWO DAYS.
ONE MISSION.
26 OCTOBER 2026 | WHISTLEBLOWERS AWARDS
Celebrating the Courage to Do What Is Right.
An extraordinary evening dedicated to recognising individuals and institutions whose unwavering commitment to truth, justice and ethical conduct has made a difference in the fight against corruption and wrongdoing.
The Whistleblowers Awards celebrate acts of moral courage, honour exceptional integrity and recognise those who refuse to surrender their principles in the face of adversity.
Beyond the accolades, the ceremony is a powerful affirmation that those who defend the public interest deserve the nation's gratitude, respect and protection.
EXPLORE THE AWARDS
27 OCTOBER 2026 | WHISTLEBLOWERS SUMMIT
Turning Courage into Collective Action.
Recognition alone is not enough. Courage must be matched by institutional responsibility, effective protection and meaningful reform.
The Whistleblowers Summit convenes thought leaders, policymakers, law enforcement authorities, legal experts, whistleblowers, business representatives and civil society to confront the challenges facing those who expose wrongdoing.
Through candid dialogue, informed debate and collaborative engagement, the Summit seeks to advance practical solutions that strengthen whistleblower protection, institutional accountability and ethical leadership.
EXPLORE THE SUMMIT
FROM RECOGNITION TO REFORM
Building a Society Where Speaking Up Is Safe.
The fight against corruption cannot succeed while those who expose it remain vulnerable.
The 2026 Whistleblowers Summit provides a platform for examining the systemic failures that place whistleblowers at risk and exploring the reforms necessary to build an environment in which integrity is protected rather than punished.
Our conversations will focus on the critical challenges confronting whistleblowers and the institutions entrusted with defending them.
Key areas of engagement include:
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Strengthening legal and institutional protections for whistleblowers.
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Combating retaliation, intimidation and occupational victimisation.
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Enhancing the investigation and prosecution of corruption and related offences.
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Promoting ethical leadership and accountability in the public and private sectors.
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Advancing effective reporting mechanisms and institutional responses.
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Supporting whistleblowers and their families through practical and sustainable interventions.
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Building a national culture that values truth, courage and responsible citizenship.
The ultimate measure of our success will not be the conversations we hold, but the change we inspire.
VIEW THE SUMMIT PROGRAMME
Recognising Those Who Choose Integrity Over Expediency.
Integrity is tested not when doing what is right is easy, but when doing so comes at a personal cost.
The Whistleblowers Awards recognise the extraordinary individuals and institutions whose actions exemplify moral courage, professional integrity, ethical leadership and an unwavering commitment to the public good.
Our honourees remind us that meaningful change often begins with a single courageous decision — to speak up, refuse complicity, expose wrongdoing or stand firmly in defence of the truth.
Through these awards, we celebrate not only individual achievements, but also the enduring values upon which an ethical and accountable society must be built.
Their courage is our inspiration. Their integrity is our collective responsibility.
MEET THE 2026 NOMINEES
Leadership. Courage. Accountability.
The 2026 Whistleblowers Awards & Summit brings together distinguished voices from across public institutions, the justice system, civil society, business, academia and the whistleblower community.
Our speakers and panellists will share insights, experiences and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking, inspire ethical leadership and contribute to the development of practical solutions.
From courageous personal testimonies to critical policy conversations, their contributions will help shape a more accountable future.
MEET OUR SPEAKERS
FOUR YEARS OF HONOURING COURAGE
A Growing Movement for Integrity.
Since its inception, the Whistleblowers Awards & Summit has sought to elevate the voices of those who expose wrongdoing, celebrate extraordinary acts of integrity and foster meaningful conversations about accountability and whistleblower protection.
Now entering its fourth annual edition, the initiative continues to bring together individuals and institutions united by a shared conviction: that corruption must never be normalised, wrongdoing must never be rewarded, and courage must never be punished.
Each year strengthens our commitment to building a society in which the truth is valued, ethical conduct is celebrated and those who stand up for the public interest are protected.
Our journey continues. Our mission remains urgent.
EXPLORE OUR LEGACY
PARTNERING FOR INTEGRITY
Together, We Can Make Courage Count.
The protection of whistleblowers and the promotion of ethical leadership are responsibilities that no single institution can shoulder alone.
The Whistleblowers Awards & Summit is made possible through the commitment and support of organisations that recognise the importance of integrity, accountability and responsible citizenship.
Our partners help us honour courage, amplify important conversations and advance a shared vision of a society in which wrongdoing is confronted and ethical conduct becomes the norm.
We invite organisations committed to these values to join us in championing this important cause.
BECOME A PARTNER
Our Partners.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed partners for their unwavering generosity and steadfast support of the Whistleblowers Awards & Summit initiative. Their commitment to our cause is the driving force behind this event's success. Their contributions not only help us honour the brave individuals who have championed ethical values but also advance the vital conversation around accountability and justice. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the world, and we are profoundly thankful for their partnership in this noble endeavour. Their support truly embodies the spirit of ethical citizenship and positive change.
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