Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to Deliver Keynote Address at Whistleblowers Awards 2025

MEDIA STATEMENT

Johannesburg, South Africa, 28 September 2025 — Public Interest SA is proud to announce that Justice Raymond Zondo, former Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Whistleblowers Awards, to be held at The Venue, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg, on 27 October 2025.

Justice Zondo, renowned for his leadership of the State Capture Commission, remains a towering figure in South Africa’s ongoing fight against corruption and abuse of power. His participation at the Whistleblowers Awards underscores the event’s reputation as a premier platform honouring courage, integrity, and accountability.

Now in its third year, the Whistleblowers Awards has become a landmark event in South Africa’s governance and accountability calendar. The awards celebrate men and women who have stood tall in the face of adversity to expose corruption, maladministration, and wrongdoing — often at great personal risk.

This year’s edition promises to be the most compelling yet, with the inclusion of new award categories such as the Digital Courage Award and the Climate Action Award, reflecting the evolving landscape of whistleblowing and public accountability in the digital age and in defence of environmental justice.

The keynote address by Justice Zondo will set the tone for a powerful evening that blends recognition, reflection, and a renewed call to action to protect those who dare to speak truth to power.

“Whistleblowers embody the spirit of ethical citizenship, often at enormous personal cost. Justice Zondo’s presence and voice at this year’s awards is both symbolic and catalytic — it affirms the vital role whistleblowers play in strengthening democracy,” said Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA.

Attendance and Access

The Whistleblowers Awards is an exclusive, invitation-only gala. However, in recognition of growing public interest, a limited number of tickets are available to the public. Interested parties are encouraged to submit ticket enquiries by emailing awards@publicinterest.org.za or send WhatsApp message to +2784 566 5400.

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About Public Interest SA

Public Interest SA is a civil-society organisation dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, and the protection of whistleblowers. Through its programmes, initiatives, and flagship events such as the Whistleblowers Awards and Summit, the organisation champions the cause of integrity in both public and private life.