The Zimbabwean Government Urged to Fast-Track the Promulgation of the Whistleblower Protection Legislation

11 July 2024

KWEKWE, ZIMBABWE: As we commemorate the African Anti-Corruption Day, a significant occasion marked on the 11th of July every year, the Anti-Corruption Trust of Southern Africa (ACT-SA) urges the Zimbabwean government to accelerate the process of enacting a comprehensive whistleblower legislation. This law is vital in protecting and encouraging citizens to report corruption and other forms of wrongdoing without fear of reprisal or retaliation. The expeditious promulgation of this legislation is crucial in fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and integrity in our society.

Concurrently, ACT-SA expresses its profound gratitude towards the courage and bravery displayed by whistleblowers and those who report corruption. These individuals, often at great personal risk, have shown unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption, unearthing hidden wrongdoing, and shining a light on dark corners where corruption thrives. ACT-SA recognizes the instrumental role of these brave souls in the fight against corruption and the essential need to protect and support them in their endeavours.

The enactment of comprehensive whistleblower legislation is a paramount step in curbing the escalating attacks against whistleblowers that result from breaches in anonymity. Without proper protection, whistleblowers become vulnerable to retaliatory measures and other forms of retribution for their courageous acts of exposing wrongdoing. The enactment of this law will not only provide legal safeguards to whistleblowers but will also serve as a deterrent to those who would seek to undermine anti-corruption efforts through intimidation and harassment. Such a measure will promote a safer and more conducive environment for whistleblowers to come forward and report corruption without fear of retribution.

ACT-SA unequivocally denounces any form of reprisal or persecution aimed at whistleblowers and implores law enforcement agents to act swiftly and decisively in punishing those responsible for these deplorable acts. Such attacks not only discourage whistleblowers from coming forward but also undermine the fight against corruption. ACT-SA emphasizes that whistleblowers play a vital role in exposing corruption and preserving transparency, and thus, they must be safeguarded and supported by society at large.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ACT-SA USING THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE AND EMAIL

Tel: +263783011963

Email:  info@anticorruptiontrust.org

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