Whistleblowers Summit & Awards 2025 Celebrates Courage, Integrity, and the Call for Systemic Reform

Rosebank, Johannesburg, Tuesday, 28 October 2025 — Public Interest SA successfully hosted the Whistleblowers Summit and Whistleblowers Awards 2025 on Monday, 27 October, at The Venue, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg. The event brought together policymakers, civil society leaders, corporate executives, journalists, and whistleblowers to advance the national conversation on ethics, accountability, and whistleblower protection in South Africa.

The Summit commenced with an opening keynote address by Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Honourable Andries Nel, who underscored the constitutional and moral imperative to create an environment that protects and encourages truth-telling in both the public and private sectors. His remarks set the tone for a day of robust and insightful discussions.

Distinguished panellists — including Members of Parliament, academics, former law-enforcement officials, civil society leaders, and journalists — engaged in spirited dialogue under the theme “Upholding Democracy Through Courage: The Strategic Role of Whistleblowers in Rebuilding Public Trust.” Discussions highlighted the urgent need for institutional courage, legislative reform, and the strengthening of mechanisms that ensure whistleblowers’ safety, dignity, and access to justice.

The day culminated in the prestigious Whistleblowers Awards, headlined by a stirring keynote address by former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who delivered an impassioned call to action for government to implement the Zondo Commission’s recommendations on whistleblower protection without delay. Justice Zondo also appealed to ordinary South Africans to “speak up when they witness wrongdoing,” reminding society that silence in the face of corruption enables impunity to thrive.

The Awards celebrated individuals and organisations whose courage, integrity, and advocacy continue to shape South Africa’s democratic renewal. This year’s honourees ranged from investigative journalists and civil society champions to institutional reformers and grassroots whistleblowers — each exemplifying the power of conscience in the public interest.

Speaking at the close of the event, Tebogo Khaas, chairperson of Public Interest SA, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advancing ethical governance and systemic reform.

“Whistleblowers are democracy’s first responders. Our task as a society is to ensure that their bravery is not met with retaliation, but with protection, gratitude, and justice,” he said.

Public Interest SA extends sincere appreciation to all partners, sponsors, and attendees whose support continues to make this national platform for integrity possible.

The following individuals and organisations were honoured:

Whistleblower Champion Award - The Ethics Institute

Citation:

For its pioneering leadership in institutionalising ethical governance through its SafeLine Standards and public education initiatives, The Ethics Institute (TEI) has set the benchmark for whistleblower protection in Africa. By embedding the principles of integrity, independence, protection, efficiency, and accessibility into organisational systems, and by equipping institutions and individuals with practical tools to report wrongdoing safely, TEI has transformed ethical theory into sustainable, real-world practice—fortifying trust, accountability, and courage across sectors.

Whistleblower Champion Award - FEDSAS (Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools)

Citation:

For its courageous and principled stand in exposing systemic neglect in South Africa’s education system, including over 29 000 unfilled teaching posts and unpaid school funding allocations, FEDSAS (Federation of Governing Bodies of South African Schools) has acted as a powerful whistleblower in defence of learners’ constitutional right to quality education. Through its public advocacy, formal complaints, and persistent demand for accountability, FEDSAS has exemplified institutional integrity and civic courage—giving voice to schools and communities failed by governance.

Investigative Journalism (Media House) Award – News24 Investigations Team

Citation:

For its relentless pursuit of truth and courage in exposing corruption, violence, and state failure, the News24 Investigations Team has exemplified the highest ideals of public-interest journalism. Through Kyle Cowan’s fearless reporting on the assassinations of Cloete and Thomas Murray and Bouwer van Niekerk; Jeff Wicks’ riveting chronicle of Vusimusi “Cat” Matlala’s many escapes from justice; Sikonathi Mantshantsha’s exposé of the killings of auditors probing R4 billion in irregular Ekurhuleni contracts; Khaya Koko’s investigation into systemic corruption at City Power; and Sipho Masondo’s revelations of entrenched graft at PRASA, the team has laid bare the nexus of power, greed, and impunity.

Their collective work does more than inform — it defends democracy itself, by holding the powerful to account and giving voice to the silenced.

Digital Courage Award – Citizen Concerned

Citation:

For harnessing the power of digital platforms to amplify civic accountability and ethical governance, Citizen Concernedhas demonstrated exceptional digital courage in confronting corruption and maladministration. Through its innovative use of technology to crowdsource information, expose wrongdoing, and mobilise public awareness, Citizen Concerned has transformed online engagement into a force for transparency and social justice. In an era where truth is often obscured by disinformation, it stands as a beacon of integrity — proving that digital activism, grounded in facts and ethical conviction, can restore public trust and empower citizens to act.

Digital Courage Award – Politically Aweh!

Citation:

For its fearless and witty use of digital satire to expose corruption and challenge power, Politically Aweh has turned humour into a powerful instrument of accountability. Through creativity and courage, it has inspired civic awareness and reminded us that truth, even when delivered with a laugh, remains the sharpest tool against injustice.

Sherpa Whistleblower Support Award – IRS Forensic Investigations

Citation:

For its steadfast commitment to justice and its unwavering support for South Africa’s whistleblowers, IRS Forensic Investigations has exemplified courage in action. By maintaining investigative watching briefs in cases where whistleblowers faced harassment, intimidation, and even assassination — most notably the Marumo Phenya case — IRS has ensured that truth and accountability remain in the public eye. Through persistent engagement with law enforcement, Parliament, and the media, it has given voice to the silenced and dignity to the fallen, embodying the true spirit of a whistleblower’s ally and guardian.

Whistleblower Excellence Award – Thabiso Zulu

Citation:

For his unwavering courage in exposing corruption within powerful political circles, Thabiso Zulu stands as a beacon of integrity and moral conviction. Despite enduring death threats, intimidation, and an attempt on his life, he has never relented in his pursuit of truth. His bravery in confronting the looting of public resources and defending the rights of fellow whistleblowers exemplifies the highest ideals of ethical citizenship and public service.

Whistleblower Excellence Award - Kabelo Malao

Citation:

For his steadfast commitment to truth and accountability, Kabelo Malao has gone beyond professional duty to expose deep institutional dysfunction. Guided by principle rather than profit, he has demonstrated rare moral courage — proving that integrity remains the strongest defence against systemic decay.

Investigative Journalism Award - Pieter-Louis Myburgh

Citation:

For his fearless reporting on corruption within the Independent Development Trust, Pieter-Louis Myburgh has once again upheld the highest standards of investigative journalism. His exposé of CEO Tebogo Malaka’s bribery scandal stands as a testament to the power of truth-telling in defending public integrity and restoring faith in accountable governance.

Whistleblower Champion Award – Mpho Mofikoe

Citation:

For her extraordinary courage and moral conviction in exposing systemic corruption within the South African music industry, Mpho Mofikoe has stood firm where others have faltered.

As COO of SAMRO, she uncovered the theft of millions in royalties meant for composers and publishers — challenging entrenched interests within her own organisation. Despite harassment, defamation, and suspension, she refused to be silenced. Her bravery in bringing truth to light before members and executives alike embodies the highest ideals of integrity and public courage.

END

Issued by:Public Interest SA

Enquiries:Media Desk – Public Interest SA

📧 media@publicinterest.org.za 🌐 www.publicinterest.org.za