Statement on Responsible Whistleblowing and the Rule of Law

Pretoria, South Africa. Friday, 19 June 2026 — Public Interest SA notes the judgment of the Free State Division of the High Court in the matter between the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Ms Patricia Morgan-Mashale.

Whistleblowing remains one of the most important tools available to society in the fight against corruption, maladministration and abuses of power. Many of South Africa’s most significant corruption scandals have come to light because courageous individuals chose to speak out, often at considerable personal risk.

However, the credibility and effectiveness of whistleblowing depend fundamentally on truthfulness, integrity and a willingness to cooperate with lawful processes designed to test and verify allegations.

The public interest is not served when serious accusations are made against individuals or institutions without supporting evidence, particularly after opportunities have been provided to substantiate such claims.

Allegations of corruption against prosecutors, judges, law enforcement officials or any other public servants are exceptionally serious.

Such claims can cause irreparable reputational harm, undermine public confidence in key democratic institutions and, in some circumstances, expose individuals and their families to intimidation, harassment or threats to their personal safety.

Equally concerning is the damage that unsubstantiated allegations can inflict on the broader whistleblowing ecosystem.

Every instance in which false or unsupported claims are advanced risks weakening public trust in genuine whistleblowers and creating scepticism towards those who come forward with legitimate disclosures of wrongdoing.

This ultimately harms the very cause of accountability and transparency that whistleblowing seeks to advance.

"We urge all whistleblowers, activists and members of the public to ensure that allegations are made responsibly, in good faith and on the basis of facts that can be verified. Where investigative or oversight bodies request information, documents or other evidence in support of allegations, full cooperation should be provided. Accountability requires not only the courage to speak, but also the willingness to substantiate what is alleged," said Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA.

At the same time, institutions must continue to create safe and trusted channels through which whistleblowers can report wrongdoing, secure in the knowledge that genuine disclosures will be treated seriously, investigated impartially and protected from retaliation.

The fight against corruption depends on both fearless whistleblowers, responsible truth-telling, and adherence to the rule of law. Truth must remain the foundation upon which accountability is built.

END