The Inkatha Freedom Party commends the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela for ensuring that whistle-blowers are protect after she found that whistle-blower, Fikile Hlatshwayo-Rouget’s dismissal in 2013 was illegal.
“Fikile Hlatshwayo-Rouget was dismissed in 2013 from her senior management position by the KZN Treasury after she made a protected disclosure regarding suspected corruption in the Durban North Sea Jazz Festival. Millions of rand was paid to event organisers, but the event never took place. We encourage other people like Ms Hlatshwayo-Rouget to blow the whistle on corruption and expose wrongdoings that slow down the eradication of poverty without fear or favour. How will future whistle blowers come forward if the present ones are suffering for telling the truth? We are convinced that some people are willing to come forth with information – but for fear of victimisation, especially by their employers, they do not. It becomes apparent that in every government department and private institution where corruption occurs, there are people who know what is going on and sometimes want to blow the whistle but are afraid they would suffer reprisals for doing so,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“People needed to be educated about the Protected Disclosures Act, Act 26 of 2000 which protects employees who disclose information of unlawful or corrupt conduct by their employer and other employees from occupational detriment. Those who intimidate whistle-blowers or attempt to do so must be dealt with accordingly. The state must use legislation at its disposal to deal with such culprits. We insist that corruption must be fought with an iron fist wherever it may exist,” continued Mr Gwala.
“The IFP demands that the KZN Treasury must abide by the Public Protector’s findings and reinstate Ms Hlatshwayo-Rouget without any further delay,” concluded Mr Gwala
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala
IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature
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