In a world where silence too often feels like the safer choice, the courage to speak out against wrongdoing remains the ultimate act of integrity. The Whistleblowers Awards & Summit is not merely a celebration of those who have exposed corruption — it is a tribute to the extraordinary bravery that reshapes societies. Whistleblowers and heroes of integrity are the torchbearers of transparency, justice, and ethical governance. They remind us that truth is not an abstract ideal, but a shared responsibility — one we must all embrace if we are to build a society rooted in fairness and accountability.

 

As has become tradition, I will use this occasion to honour our Heroes of Integrity — individuals who stood unwavering in defence of justice and accountability at times when our democracy was most severely tested.

As we gather, let us reflect on the profound impact a single voice can make. Each whistleblower is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of individual action in shaping our collective future. Their courage calls upon us all to be more vigilant, more vocal, and more steadfast in our commitment to the truth.

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Together, we can nurture a society that values transparency, rewards integrity, and demands accountability. I deeply believe that whistleblowing is the highest form of ethical and active citizenship. It is not the easy path — but it is the right one. And it is the path that leads us closer to a just and equitable world.

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May this event inspire us all to stand firm in the face of injustice and to support those who risk everything to make our world better.

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— Tebogo Khaas

Convenor of the Whistleblowers Awards & Summit