Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 20 January 2026

📸 ActionSA honours fallen whistleblowers.

ActionSA has introduced a private member’s bill aimed at strengthening the protection of whistleblowers and disrupting corruption networks within public procurement, an area estimated to account for nearly R800 billion in public spending each year.

The proposed legislation, known as the Fallen Whistleblowers Bill, forms part of the party’s anti-corruption reform package and seeks to introduce both enhanced protection measures and financial incentives for individuals who expose wrongdoing. Speaking to Radio Islam International, ActionSA MP Malebo Kobe said the bill is designed to “create a fracture in corruption networks within the public procurement space”.

“We have seen that whistleblowers have come forward before, reporting and disclosing corruption, and the price that they have paid has been with their lives,” Kobe said. “What we want to do now is not only increase protection for whistleblowers, but also ensure that they are incentivised for coming bravely and speaking against corruption.”

A key provision in the draft law allows courts to award whistleblowers up to a third of the funds recovered in corruption cases linked to public procurement. Kobe said this incentive is intended to encourage more people to come forward despite the risks involved.

The bill has been introduced as a private member’s bill, meaning it originates from a member of Parliament rather than the executive. According to Kobe, the draft legislation is currently open for public comment for 30 days and can be accessed on the ActionSA website.

Once the consultation period closes, the bill will be processed through parliamentary channels and referred to the relevant portfolio committees. These committees may amend the draft before it is presented to the National Assembly for a vote. If it carries provincial implications, it will also be considered by the National Council of Provinces before being sent to the President for assent.

Kobe acknowledged that the success rate of private members’ bills is generally low. “You need to get a significant amount of support from the House,” he said, noting the diversity of political interests represented in Parliament.

However, he expressed confidence that the Fallen Whistleblowers Bill could gain cross-party backing. “Corruption across the board is an issue that we have been worried about,” Kobe said. “Should parties vote this bill down, it will say a lot about their priorities and what they are protecting.”

While no fixed timeline has been set, Kobe said the process could take between six months and a year, depending on deliberations in committee. “We are hoping that it is fast-tracked,” he added, stressing the urgency of addressing the lack of adequate protection for whistleblowers.

The bill comes amid growing concern over attacks on whistleblowers and the persistent challenges in curbing corruption within the public sector, placing renewed focus on legislative reform as a tool to safeguard those who expose wrongdoing.

Listen to the full interview on Sabahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Malebo Kobe.