Sa Not Against Remunerating Whistleblowers, Says Minister Mzamo Buthelezi

The South African government is not averse to paying whistleblowers, and the topic remains under discussion, Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi has said.

This is a platform where 20 countries come together, so any initiative that seeks to help us to advance our cause is welcome if then, paying a whistleblower is also an option, I dont think we are closed to that discussion, and seeing how far we can take it, he said on Wednesday at the culmination of the G20 anti-corruption working group summit which started in Cape Town on Monday.

In his speech to the media, Buthelezi acknowledged the indispensable role of whistleblowers, saying they must be recognised for uncovering corruption.

Their courage in exposing wrongdoing often comes at a significant personal risk. Therefore, enhancing whistleblower protection is at the top of the groups list, he said.

South Africas Whistleblower Protection Bill is expected to be presented in parliament this year. Discussion documents about it raise the possibility of awarding a percentage of funds recovered from crimes to whistleblowers, providing the information shared is material to recovery.