Thuli Madonsela to state capture whistleblowers: ‘Don’t let them turn SA into a wasteland again’

11 July 2022 - 11:00
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Former public protector Thuli Madonsela says if we don’t ensure the Zondo Commission report is implemented, 'we have state capture 2 loading'. File photo.
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela says if we don’t ensure the Zondo Commission report is implemented, 'we have state capture 2 loading'. File photo.
Image: Esa Alexander/Sunday Times

Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has encouraged state capture whistleblowers to name and shame those who are corrupt.

Madonsela has been vocal about holding those implicated in state capture accountable after the release of the final Zondo Commission report last month.

She said those implicated should not be allowed to turn the country into a wasteland again.

“We know those implicated in state capture are exploiting the pain and hardships many people are suffering as the aftermath of state capture, Covid-19 regulations, digitalisation and the Ukraine war. Don’t let them turn our country into a wasteland again. Be a whistleblower,” said Madonsela.

She said it is a duty to protect the country’s hard-earned democracy.

“It is in your hands to prevent the recapturing of the state and hijacking of our hard-earned democracy under false pretences in our beloved country.”

“It is said the price of democracy is eternal vigilance. If you let your guard down SA, state capture 2 will not only target the presidency as the central seat of power. The key target of state capture 2 will be law enforcement institutions and processes.

“If we want to save democracy, we must work to make democracy work for all. Understanding freedom from want, from fear and from shackles that prevent hard-working people from rising on the socioeconomic ladder is the most important need for most,” she said.

Speaking on the Sunday Times podcast, Madonsela said the country was not doing enough to protect whistleblowers, and that after they come forward they struggle to find employment.

“Some had to leave the country for security reasons and challenges of unemployment,” said Madonsela.

“We need to find new language on how we speak about whistleblowers. I don’t even know if whistleblower is the right term. In African languages it is worse. We don’t have a good term for a whistleblower.”

Madonsela recommended that enablers of state capture be offered amnesty in an attempt to dismantle existing criminal networks within the state.

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