SONA 2026: Long-awaited bill to protect whistleblowers to be tabled

A long-awaited bill to protect whistleblowers will be tabled in 2026 to provide greater protection for them and to criminalise retaliation.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made the pledge during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night.

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He’s promised that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption will lead to far reaching changes.

Ramaphosa said firm action will also be taken against those who seek to silence people who speak out against corruption.

With rampant corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS) exposed by the Madlanga Commission and the ad hoc committee in Parliament, Ramaphosa has given the assurance that he’s already acted on the findings of the interim report he’s received from the commission.

“We cannot tolerate this. The rule of law depends on a police service that is ethical, responsive and rooted in the communities that it serves.”

While a police task team ensures investigations arising from the commission are undertaken swiftly, Ramaphosa said the State Security Agency (SSA) will re-vet senior management.

“We are determined that the commission’s findings and recommendations will lay the basis for a fundamental reform of our criminal justice system.”

Ramaphosa said new legislation on whistleblowing will seek to provide psychosocial, legal and financial support to whistleblowers.

“We cannot accept that those who speak out against corruption are victimised, targeted and killed.”

Furthermore, Ramaphosa said special attention will be given to restructuring the procurement system with the aim of ending corruption.