Is Whistleblowing Worth The Risk In South Africa?

Holifil

02 Apr, 2025

Sol Phenduka sparked a heated debate on social media about the dangers of whistleblowing in South Africa.
Phenduka’s question came after a tragic incident where a man was shot 23 times after being mistaken for a whistleblower.
Many South Africans believe that staying out of other people’s business is the safest choice in today’s climate.

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has spent over a decade diving deep into South Africa’s political scene, crime, and social issues, bringing the truth to the forefront.

Let’s be real for a moment. Is stepping forward to expose corruption in South Africa worth the potential risk to your life? That’s the tough question many are asking after the brutal killing of a Vereeniging engineering company employee. This isn’t just another crime story—it’s a conversation that hits close to home for countless South Africans.

Mzansi is reeling from the harsh reality that speaking out against corruption could cost you your life. A recent incident where a man was shot 23 times after being mistaken for a whistleblower has sent shockwaves across the nation. Image: Peter Dazeley/ South_AgencySource: Getty Images

Armand Swart, an innocent man, was gunned down with 23 bullets after hitmen mistakenly identified him as the whistleblower who exposed corruption at Transnet. This chilling incident has left many questioning whether speaking up is worth the price.

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Big Numbers, Bigger Problems

The situation began when an employee of an engineering company in Vereeniging uncovered a massive price inflation scandal involving a Transnet tender. The whistleblower revealed that Transnet was charged an outrageous R1.2 million for 8,000 springs—a product that should have cost a mere R25,000. That’s a staggering 4,650% markup! When this revelation came to light, it sparked fury—and danger. A R1 million bounty was placed on the whistleblower’s head, leading to the tragic mistake that took Armand Swart’s life.

South Africans Speak Out: Is Whistleblowing Worth It?

The shocking nature of this crime has ignited a national conversation about the risks of standing up against corruption. Popular podcast co-host Sol Phenduka took to social media to ask the tough question: Is it worth risking your life to blow the whistle? The responses from netizens were eye-opening—and sobering.

Here’s what some people had to say:

@ChristosNgobeni shared his personal experience:

“I’ve been in a similar situation. Someone encouraged me to expose corruption, but I chose to resign and start fresh. It’s simply not safe out there. Protecting myself and my family came first.”

@PostiveImpact89 issued a stern warning:

“To anyone thinking about blowing the whistle, think twice. Corruption has only gotten worse under Cyril Ramaphosa. It’s heartbreaking to see how far we’ve fallen.”

@FootballStage_1 expressed deep concern:

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“We’re fighting a battle we can’t win. Corruption has become normalized in this country. What’s the point of speaking up when nothing changes?”

@SiphiweNodwele voiced his fear:

“Twenty-three bullets in the wrong guy? That’s terrifying. All this over a R1.2 million contract. It’s clear that life holds little value here. We need serious change.”

@Patrice_ZA emphasized self-preservation:

“I’ll never risk my life to expose corruption that doesn’t involve me. Impressing employers or the government isn’t worth dying for. Honestly, ukuphapha isn’t worth it.”

@Singo_Tshilume offered practical advice:

“Never blow the whistle unless you have proper security in place. South Africa isn’t a safe space for truth-tellers.”

@Magiditshedzam1 pointed fingers at the government:

“The truth is, the government doesn’t want corruption to end. That’s why whistleblowers end up dead. We live in a country where justice feels like a distant dream.”

@MaggyValen summed up the harsh reality:

“In South Africa, whistleblowing is equivalent to signing your own death certificate. This is the brutal truth we must face.”

Six Men Admit Guilt in Babita Deokran’s Murder

Briefly News recently reported that six men have pleaded guilty to the murder of Babita Deokran, a courageous whistleblower who exposed irregularities at Tembisa Hospital. Deokran’s assassination outside her home serves as yet another chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak out against corruption. The men reportedly struck a plea deal before admitting their involvement in this heinous crime.

As South Africa grapples with these harrowing realities, the question remains: Is the fight against corruption worth the cost? Or is staying silent the safer option in a world where justice often feels out of reach?