New Bill proposes 15-year jail term for exposing whistleblowers

The Justice Department has announced that it plans to establish an office to deal with the contravention of laws around whistleblowers.

On Thursday, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi released the proposed bill, which has been drafted to address the shortcomings of current legislation on whistleblowers.

READ: Draft bill proposes criminal sanctions for anyone revealing identity of whistleblower

While the current laws do not provide sanctions for people who release the identity of whistleblowers, compromising their safety, if passed, the new bill proposes up to 15 years imprisonment for offenders.

Kubayi said whistleblowers who feel aggrieved or face abuse for speaking out will be able to report the matter to a retired judge appointed by the president, who will adjudicate the matter.

"The bill further provides for the establishment of a central database for disclosures to improve coordination and prevent duplication of investigations. This database will be developed and maintained by the director-general of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, who will designate officials to oversee its operation, monitoring and functionality. Importantly, no personal information of a discloser will be stored in the database."