Overwhelming Response to Whistleblowers Awards Nominations as Public Interest SA Declares All Systems Go

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA | Thursday, 22 October 2026 — Public Interest SA has welcomed an overwhelming response to its call for nominations for the 2026 Whistleblowers Awards & Summit, taking place on 26–27 October 2026 at The Venue, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.

The remarkable volume of submissions reflects growing public recognition of the courage, sacrifice and invaluable contributions of whistleblowers and champions of integrity in defending accountability, transparency and ethical governance.

All shortlisted individuals and organisations have been notified, and preparations for Monday evening's prestigious awards ceremony are at an advanced stage. Public Interest SA confirms that it is all systems go.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative recognises extraordinary individuals and organisations that have demonstrated courage in exposing wrongdoing, confronting corruption and defending the public interest, often at considerable personal and professional risk.

Public Interest SA founder and chairperson Tebogo Khaas expressed appreciation for the enthusiastic public response:

"The overwhelming number of nominations is a powerful affirmation that South Africans continue to value courage, integrity and ethical leadership. Behind these submissions are remarkable stories of individuals who have placed principle above personal comfort, often at enormous personal cost."

"We are particularly encouraged by the breadth of participation and the calibre of nominees. The shortlisting process has been concluded, nominees have been notified, and we are ready to roll out the red carpet to honour these extraordinary champions of integrity."

Recognition spans several categories, including individual whistleblowing, investigative journalism, digital courage and advocacy for accountability. Special tributes will also honour fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of the public interest.

Held under the theme "Honouring Courage. Inspiring Integrity.", the initiative will combine recognition of exceptional contributions with substantive engagement on whistleblower protection, institutional accountability and meaningful reforms.

Khaas emphasised that recognition must translate into tangible action:

"Celebrating courage is important, but protecting those who demonstrate it is even more critical. Our collective responsibility is to ensure that whistleblowers are not abandoned, victimised or punished for doing what is right. Accountability must become a lived institutional value rather than a convenient slogan."

Public Interest SA extends its sincere gratitude to all nominators, nominees, partners and supporters whose participation continues to strengthen this important national initiative.

The stage is set, the nominees have been notified, and all systems are go for Monday's celebration of courage, sacrifice and integrity.

ENDS

Media enquiries:Email: media@publicinterest.org.za |Tel: +27 10 005 5884