Nominations Open for the 2026 Whistleblowers Awards

JOHANNESBURG | Thursday, 6 August 2026 — Public Interest SA has officially opened nominations for the 2026 Whistleblowers Awards, South Africa's premier recognition of individuals and organisations that have demonstrated exceptional courage, integrity and commitment to ethical leadership.

Nominations open today and will close on 11 September 2026. The awards will be presented at the Whistleblowers Awards Gala Dinner on 26 October 2026 at Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

This year's Awards introduce two exciting new categories that recognise the critical role of ethics reporting systems in strengthening organisational governance:

• Ethics Hotline Award — recognising organisations that have established trusted and effective ethics reporting mechanisms that encourage the reporting of misconduct while safeguarding whistleblowers.

• Ethics Hotline Provider Award — recognising service providers that deliver outstanding, independent and innovative ethics hotline solutions that promote accountability, transparency and ethical conduct.

The introduction of these awards reflects the increasing importance of creating safe channels through which employees, stakeholders and members of the public can report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.

Public Interest SA is also honoured to announce that Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Whistleblowers Awards Gala Dinner. Widely respected for his distinguished contribution to constitutional jurisprudence and the rule of law, Justice Madlanga's participation underscores the significance of this year's event.

"The Whistleblowers Awards celebrate the courageous individuals who choose integrity over silence and organisations that foster ethical cultures where speaking up is valued and protected," said Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA.

"By introducing the Ethics Hotline Award and Ethics Hotline Provider Award, we are recognising that effective reporting mechanisms are indispensable in the fight against corruption, fraud and unethical conduct."

Public Interest SA invites members of the public, civil society organisations, government departments, state-owned entities and private sector organisations to submit nominations and help honour those who continue to advance ethical leadership and accountability in South Africa.

For nomination forms and award criteria, visit Public Interest SA's official platforms or click here to submit a nomination.

ENDS

Note to Editors

Public Interest SA encourages investigative journalists, editors, producers, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, compliance professionals, and all individuals who work closely with or support whistleblowers to submit nominations.

Those who are often closest to acts of courage and integrity are uniquely positioned to identify deserving nominees and ensure their contributions to accountability, transparency, and ethical governance receive the recognition they deserve.

Media Enquiries

Bagaetsho Oteng | Email: media@publicinterest.org.za WhatsApp: 084 566 5400