Civil society organizations in Johannesburg called on the government to extend the public comment deadline for the Protected Disclosures Bill, 2026 [1].
This push for a deadline extension reflects a broader struggle to ensure that those who report corruption are legally protected from retaliation. Without robust safeguards, potential whistleblowers may remain silent, leaving systemic corruption unchecked within government and private sectors.
The effort is being led by Corruption Watch and the Active Citizens Movement (ACM) [1]. These groups said the Justice and Constitutional Development department should allow more time for public input and implement stronger protections for individuals who disclose irregularities [1].
Advocates said that the current process has been marred by limited public awareness. They said the department has failed to engage sufficiently with the public, which has weakened the possibility of meaningful participation in the legislative process [1].
The groups are focusing their efforts on the specific language of the Protected Disclosures Bill, 2026 [1]. By extending the window for feedback, the organizations hope to ensure the final law provides comprehensive security for whistleblowers against professional and personal reprisals [1].
The call for action occurred on Wednesday in Johannesburg [1]. The organizations said the lack of engagement from the Justice and Constitutional Development department undermines the democratic goal of creating transparent, and accountable governance [1].
“Civil society organizations in Johannesburg called on the government to extend the public comment deadline”
The demand for an extended deadline indicates a significant gap between government legislative timelines and the capacity of civil society to vet complex legal protections. If the Justice and Constitutional Development department ignores these calls, the resulting law may lack the public legitimacy and practical strength required to protect whistleblowers in high-risk environments.
