The decision an individual makes to blow the whistle on wrongdoing is daunting and often invites negative social and workplace consequences for them.

As a society, we need to change that by encouraging and destigmatising whistleblowing while we acknowledge and celebrate those who do it.

One of South Africa’s bravest whistleblowers, Cynthia Stimpel, speaks to BizNews about the huge personal sacrifices being made by the country’s whistleblowers; the terrible losses some have suffered – and the extreme vilification that is used to discredit those who dare speak truth to power.

Martha Ngoye has been the central figure at the rail agency in its fight against corruption, helping Prasa win court victories against service providers Swifambo, Siyangena and Siyaya.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to whistleblowers who lifted the lid on corruption allegations linked to state capture.

“Vindicated and exonerated” is how former head of security at Parliament, Zelda Holtzman, reacted to a settlement that ended an almost two-year-long labour dispute.