Whistle-blowers must expose corruption
NEWSArticle first appeared on the Diamond Fields Advertiser by Sandi Kwon Hoo
The Open Democracy Advice Centre (ODAC) has encouraged whistleblowers to expose corruption in the workplace, despite there being gaps in legislation protecting those who expose wrongful acts. An anti-corruption workshop was held for Cosatu and its affiliates at the Protea Hotel yesterday (7 November 2011) to inform union members of unfair labour practices that could affect whistle-blowers such as dismissals, intimidation and harassment.
ODAC facilitator, Ghalib Galant, said Cosatu, as the largest labour federation, had taken a strong stance against corruption and would be launching its corruption watchdog this month. He said that disclosures made under the Labour Relations Act, protected whistle-blowers if something “untoward” happened to them.
Galant explained that whistleblowers had grounds to seek relief from the Chamber of Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and the Labour Court in the event that they were dismissed. He indicated that an unfair dismissal included a forced transfer to another department, demotions, refusal of a promotion or reference letters. “If the employee continues to be harassed in the workplace after reporting a crime, it is up to the employer to take up the matter.” He added that the Act covered sexual harassment in the workplace, unfair gender discrimination, and unfair promotions. “It applies to the reporting of criminal activities in government, the private sector and NGOs as well as the flouting of health, safety and environmental regulations.” Galant advised whistle-blowers to report any criminal behaviour to their lawyer, employer, local MEC, cabinet minister, Office of the Public Protector, the Auditor-General, or any regulating authority “If all else fails, whistle-blowers are protected if they disclose this information to the media.” He said that the ODAC could also assist.
“We encourage people to take responsibility and to expose acts of corruption and hold officials accountable so that there is less of a chance that it will fester.”
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I just couldn’t stop laughing when I read this article! I implore every and anyone who may be reading or have read this article to please turn a blind eye to corruption in their workplace. Because all that happens when you the blow the whistle against a govt department or big business is that you will lose you job and the very people at the Labour court (ie judges) will ensure you do not get justice and will do everything to frustrate you whilst playing auxiliary advocate for the govt or big business! I know this first hand because I’m in that exact situation and months after I referred an automatically unfair dismissal to the Labour Court which the respondents do not even have a response to till date, the Labour court refuses to set the matter down despite several letters to both the court administration and judges.Pls, pls DO NOT jeopardise your future by blowing the whistle; if I knew what I know now, I’d just have let sleeping dogs lie!