Whistleblowing Policy
We are committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. This policy provides a safe way to report suspected wrongdoing without fear of retaliation.
Urgent Concerns - Report Immediately
We are committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all our activities. This Whistleblowing Policy provides a safe, confidential, and transparent way for employees, contractors, stakeholders, and members of the public to report suspected wrongdoing, unethical conduct, or regulatory breaches without fear of retaliation.
This policy applies to all employees, officers, contractors, suppliers, service providers, and any person who interacts with our organisation. It covers:
- Fraud, corruption, or theft
- Breach of laws or regulations (including POPIA, PAIA, and other compliance obligations)
- Harassment, discrimination, or abuse
- Gross misconduct or unsafe practices
- Any other activity that undermines our ethos of fairness, accountability, and community trust
We commit to:
Transparency
Ensuring that all concerns are handled openly and fairly
Confidentiality
Protecting the identity of whistleblowers to the fullest extent possible
Non-retaliation
No person will suffer retaliation for raising a concern in good faith
Impartiality
Investigations will be handled independently and fairly
Accountability
Corrective actions will be taken where misconduct or risks are identified
Concerns can be reported through any of the following channels:
Confidential Email
Direct Phone Line
Anonymous Written Submission
Mark envelope "CONFIDENTIAL - Whistleblowing Officer"
10a Flamingo Way, Pelican Park, Cape Town
When raising a concern, whistleblowers should provide as much detail as possible, including:
- The nature of the concern
- Dates, times, and parties involved
- Supporting documents or evidence (if available)
- Whether the concern has been raised elsewhere
Acknowledgment
All reports will be acknowledged within 5 business days
Preliminary Review
The Whistleblowing Officer will conduct a preliminary review
Investigation
Where necessary, an independent investigator will be appointed
Documentation & Action
Findings will be documented, and corrective action will be taken
Feedback
Whistleblowers (where contact details are available) will be informed of the outcome, subject to confidentiality requirements
Timeline Commitment: We aim to complete all investigations within 30 days of receipt, with complex cases potentially requiring additional time.
Zero Tolerance for Retaliation
Retaliation of any kind against whistleblowers is strictly prohibited. Any employee found to have victimised a whistleblower will face disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Good Faith Requirement
Whistleblowers making disclosures in bad faith or with malicious intent may be subject to disciplinary or legal action.
We believe in building a culture of openness, community accountability, and integrity. By encouraging whistleblowing, we:
Protect
Our organisation and stakeholders from harm
Promote
Ethical behaviour and trust
Uphold
Our commitment to compliance and fairness
This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure effectiveness and compliance with legal requirements, including the Protected Disclosures Act of South Africa. It will be communicated to all staff and made publicly available to stakeholders.
Last Updated: January 2024
Next Review: January 2025
Policy Owner: Sebastian Hendricks, Information Officer
Have a Concern to Report?
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