Thokozile Mnguni
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi has ruled out extending the deadline for public submissions on the draft Protected Disclosures Bill, despite appeals from some organisations for additional time.
The public participation window closed on 14 May 2026. The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development confirmed that it has already received a substantial number of submissions from individuals and civil society organisations.
These submissions are now being processed and will be used to refine and strengthen the draft legislation as it moves towards Parliament.
The Department said the Minister is of the view that there is an urgent need to finalise the legal framework for whistleblower protection, citing existing gaps in current legislation that may leave whistleblowers exposed.
Kubayi said delaying the process further would place individuals at continued risk.
“Failure to expeditiously conclude this framework for the protection of whistleblowers will have grave consequences for the individuals who put their lives in danger to expose wrongdoing and corruption,” said Minister Kubayi.
She added that a further extension would not serve the interests of whistleblowers or the justice system.
“A further extension will not be in the interest of whistleblowers and our justice system,” she said.
“I must emphasise that organisations and individuals will still have an opportunity to make comments on the Bill when Parliament opens for public participation,” concluded Kubayi.