Library
This content delves into the journeys of our whistleblower heroes and heroines, providing potential whistleblowers with valuable insights before embarking on a similar path. Furthermore, we offer resources for organisations seeking guidance on effectively managing the courageous actions of whistleblowers within their own ranks.
Complimentary Resources
Guidebooks and Toolkits
Before you Blow the Whistle
Authored by Bianca Goodson, this guide reflects on what she would have done differently before whistleblowing. It serves as a support for potential whistleblowers, providing valuable insights before you take that leap.
Whistleblowing First Responder Guide
If you receive whistleblowing reports and are unsure how to proceed, this guide is tailored for you. Written by Dr Liezl Groenewald from The Ethics Institute, it offers a roadmap for effective responses.
The Whistleblowing Non-Retaliation Toolkit
This toolkit was developed by The Ethics Institute (TEI) based on an understanding of the emotional journey of whistleblowing and the retaliation often encountered by those who step forward. Written by Dr Liezl Groenewald.
Whistleblower protection in South Africa: where to from here?
This report not only highlights the challenges whistleblowers face but also identifies their roots beyond legislative gaps. Presented by Just Share – May 2022.
South Africa: Whistleblower Protection Guidebook
Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF) has produced this guidebook as a comprehensive resource on legislation safeguarding whistleblowers. It is intended to be accessible to legal practitioners, civil society members, and whistleblowers alike.
Service charter for victims of crime in South Africa
The consolidation of the present legal framework relating to the rights of and services provided to victims of crime.
Whistleblowing First Responder Training – Train the Trainers Guide
This training manual was developed based on the ‘Whistleblowing First Responders Guide’ published by The Ethics Institute and the Transparency, Integrity and Accountability Programme in South Africa (TIP).
Whistleblowing First Responder – Guide & Tools
This trainer guide and tools is based on the Whistleblowing First Responder Guide and as such it is vital that the trainer develops an in-depth understanding of the content of this guide and its five parts. It is therefore recommended that the trainer reads the Whistleblowing First Responder Guide a number of times and becomes familiar with the document and its contents.
Training of Trainers – Facilitator Guide
This Training of Trainers Facilitator Guide works hand in hand with the content contained in the Whistleblowing and Anti-corruption: A Professional Handbook for Investigators, which was created by combining the whistleblowing expertise and on-the-ground experience of GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation), The Whistleblower House, The Special Investigating Unit, as well as local and international whistleblowing experts, to bring you a set of practical training resources.
Whistleblowing Guidelines for Journalists
Whistleblowers expose corruption and wrongdoing that might otherwise stay hidden, with the media amplifying their voices to serve the public interest. These guidelines promote ethical, responsible reporting that protects both whistleblowers and journalists, fostering trust and encouraging others to speak up.
THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF WHISTLEBLOWING
Voices of Conscience
This study explores the psychosocial impacts of whistleblowing and the perspectives of mental health professionals who support whistleblowers. Its goal is to develop resources that strengthen existing support frameworks. By examining the emotional, social, and institutional effects of whistleblowing, it highlights the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed interventions and contributes to a more holistic approach to whistleblower protection.
ENHANCING MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT INTERVENTIONS FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Practice Brief
This brief explores ways to strengthen MHPSS interventions for whistleblowers, identify service gaps, and align support with best practices and ethical standards to reduce trauma and promote wellbeing. It also advocates for services that address whistleblowers’ diverse needs. The brief is aimed at mental health practitioners, legal and protection services, whistleblowers and their support networks, with recommendations for government and other stakeholders involved in whistleblower protection.
HUMANISING THE SUBJECT OF VIOLENCE IN WHISTLEBLOWING: RECOGNISING THE PSYCHOSOCIAL TOLL
Research Brief
Drawing on findings from the 2025 CSVR report, this brief examines the deep psychological and existential effects of whistleblowing, showing these are systemic and tied to institutional power dynamics and abuse of authority. It reframes whistleblowing through a trauma-informed, human-centred lens and calls for broader support mechanisms beyond legal protections, recognising it as a psychologically risky but socially vital ac
A GUIDE FOR WHISTLEBLOWERS, MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS & WHISTLEBLOWER SUPPORTERS
Whistleblower Wellness Toolkit
The wellness toolkit promotes a trauma-informed approach and integrates mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into whistleblower wellbeing. It offers guidance for whistleblowers and the professionals who support them, serving as a resource for MHPSS practitioners, whistleblowers, and their support networks. The toolkit is based on research conducted between October 2024 and February 2025.
Handbooks
Whistleblowing Management Handbook
Written by Dr Liezl Groenewald from The Ethics Institute, this handbook extends organisational guidance on managing whistleblowing within your entity.
Publications Available For Purchase
Books
The Unlikely Mr Rogue
In “The Unlikely Mr. Rogue: A Life with Ivan Pillay,” author Evelyn Groenink delves into the story of Ivan Pillay, the unassuming figure behind SARS’ ‘rogue unit.’ Ivan serves as the Chairman of The Whistleblower House, and this book traces his life journey.
The Whistleblowers
Penned by Mandy Weiner, these are the raw and evocative accounts of some of South Africa’s whistleblowers, told in their own voices and from their own perspectives. From the hallowed corridors of parliament to the political killing fields of KwaZulu-Natal, from the fraud-riddled platinum belt to the impoverished, gang-ridden suburb of Elsies River, from the gantried freeways of Gauteng to the Bosasa blesser’s facebrick campus in Krugersdorp, from the wild east of Mpumalanga to the corporate jungle of Sandton, and from the wide farmlands of the Free State to that compound of corruption in Saxonwold.
Uncaptured
Authored by Masilo Mothepu, this courageous account portrays her refusal to stay silent as the nation faced turmoil. Her revelations led to freezing Regiments Capital’s assets and a court order for Trillian to repay nearly R600 million to Eskom. Amid legal threats, financial strain, and isolation, Masilo delves into the solitude of whistleblowing.
For My Country
Penned by Temba Maseko, a former senior state official, this book offers a unique insider’s perspective on the presidencies of Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma, along with a glimpse into government’s inner workings. Compelling and revealing, “For My Country” portrays the determination required to uphold one’s principles and challenge the most powerful figure in the nation.
Hijackers on Board
Authored by Cynthia Stimpel, “Hijackers on Board” recounts her decision to blow the whistle, even in the face of potential job loss as group treasurer. She couldn’t remain silent about a R256 million irregular deal during Dudu Myeni’s tenure at South African Airways. Despite the challenge, Cynthia’s choice was the right one.
The Psychosocial Impacts of Whistleblower Retaliation: Shattering Employee Resilience and the Workplace Promise
This book analyzes the harms related to whistleblower retaliation, its psychosocial impacts on employees, and the institutional dysfunction it creates and perpetuates. Stigma and biases against whistleblowers interfere with their ability to make protected disclosures when harm to others is at stake. Retaliatory toxic tactics create an atmosphere and corporate culture that embodies fear and encourages bystander behavior.