World Whistleblower Day: TIZ Calls for Stronger Protection of Whistleblowers

Matebeleland Pulse Reporter

Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ) has called for stronger protection of whistleblowers as the country marks World Whistleblower Day, saying Zimbabwe’s recently gazetted Whistle-Blowers and Witness Protection Bill, 2026 is a welcome development but requires further strengthening.

In a statement issued to commemorate the day, TIZ said it joins “the global community in commemorating World Whistleblower Day, recognising the courage of individuals who expose corruption, fraud, abuse of office, misuse of public resources, and other forms of wrongdoing in the public interest.”

The anti-corruption organisation welcomed the gazetting of the Whistle-Blowers and Witness Protection Bill, describing it as “an important milestone towards strengthening integrity, transparency, and accountability in Zimbabwe’s public and private sectors.”

TIZ said the Bill contains several progressive provisions, including protection against reprisals and occupational detriment, confidentiality safeguards, and protections for whistleblower identities.

“The Bill further provides protection for disclosures relating to corruption, bribery, fraud, abuse of office, misuse of public resources, and violations of the law,” the organisation said.

The statement also welcomed the proposed establishment of a Whistleblower Protection Unit and Whistleblower Protection Programme, which it described as “a significant step towards safeguarding witnesses and persons facing threats as a result of reporting wrongdoing.”

However, TIZ said there is room for improvement before the legislation is finalised.

Among the areas requiring strengthening, the organisation called for “ensuring that the mechanisms responsible for receiving disclosures, protecting whistleblowers, and managing retaliation complaints operate with sufficient independence, credibility, and accountability.”

TIZ also advocated for “clear measures for financial, legal, and psychosocial support for whistleblowers who experience employment, social, or other forms of harm after reporting wrongdoing.”

The organisation further urged lawmakers to strengthen provisions on timely investigations and feedback, saying there should be “timely processing of disclosures, regular feedback to whistleblowers, and accountability for delays in investigations.”

It also called for stronger protection for disclosures made in the public interest through journalists and civil society organisations, particularly “where internal or official reporting channels are ineffective, compromised, or may expose the whistleblower to risk.”

As Zimbabwe commemorates World Whistleblower Day, TIZ encouraged citizens, civil society organisations, professional bodies, private sector actors and public institutions to engage in consultations on the Bill.

“Effective whistleblower protection legislation requires broad stakeholder engagement to ensure that those who speak out in the public interest are genuinely protected,” the organisation said.

TIZ added that it “remains committed to supporting reforms that strengthen transparency, accountability, and citizen participation” and will continue engaging Parliament, Government and other stakeholders to ensure the final legislation provides “meaningful protection for those who courageously report corruption and abuse.”