Nominations Open for the 2025 Whistleblowers Awards

MEDIA STATEMENT

Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 August 2025 – Public Interest SA is pleased to announce that nominations for the Whistleblowers Awards 2025 will officially open on Saturday, 23 August 2025, at 08:00.

“The timing of this announcement is deliberate. It coincides with the day and approximate time, four years ago, when whistleblower Babita Deokaran was tragically assassinated. While the perpetrators of her murder have since been convicted and sentenced, the masterminds behind the attack remain at large, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by those who speak out against corruption and those who investigate these crimes,” says Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.

The Whistleblowers Awards recognise the courage, integrity, and sacrifice of individuals who expose corruption, maladministration, and abuse of power in South Africa. These awards celebrate the critical role whistleblowers play in promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership across all sectors of society.

Members of the public, organisations, institutions, and the media are encouraged to submit nominations for those who have demonstrated exceptional courage in standing up for truth and justice. This includes investigative journalists and media houses who expose wrongdoing often at personal risk. Detailed categories and nomination guidelines including the submission process will be available on the Public Interest SA website from the opening date.

The Whistleblowers Awards 2025 gala dinner will take place on 27 October 2025 in Johannesburg. The exact venue, along with the announcement of our eminent guest speaker — who has already confirmed participation — will be revealed in the coming days. On this occasion, honourees will be celebrated for their invaluable contributions to safeguarding the public interest..

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ISSUED BY:

Bagaetsho Oteng

Media & Communications

bagaetsho@publicinterest.org.za | 084 566 5400