South Africa Intensifies Anti-Corruption Fight with Strengthened Institutions and Forthcoming Whistleblower Bill

President Ramaphosa Outlines Enhanced Anti-Corruption Strategy

President Cyril Ramaphosa, during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the Cape Town City Hall, unveiled a comprehensive plan to intensify South Africa's fight against corruption. The President emphasized the government's commitment to strengthening key law enforcement entities and introducing new legislation to protect whistleblowers.

Bolstering Key Anti-Corruption Agencies

A central pillar of the announced measures involves significantly strengthening institutions tasked with combating corruption. President Ramaphosa stated that the government will reinforce the capabilities of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The Hawks' mandate specifically includes the investigation of serious organized crime, serious commercial crime, and serious corruption. This renewed focus comes in the wake of findings from the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which exposed significant corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and some metro police units. A dedicated task team has been established to probe SAPS members implicated by the commission, with a three-month timeframe for completion. Furthermore, the State Security Agency will re-vet senior management within SAPS and metro police departments, including conducting lifestyle audits.

Introducing the Whistleblower Protections Bill

In a move aimed at safeguarding individuals who expose illicit activities, President Ramaphosa confirmed that a Whistleblower Protections Bill will be introduced in Parliament. This legislation, also referred to as the Protected Disclosure Bill, is designed to:

• Criminalize retaliation against whistleblowers.
• Provide psychosocial support.
• Offer legal assistance.
• Furnish financial support to those who speak out against corruption.

While the commitment to this bill has been welcomed, concerns have been raised regarding the absence of a clear timeline for its tabling in Parliament. The President emphasized that 'we cannot accept that those who speak out against corruption are victimised, targeted and killed.'

Broader Anti-Corruption Initiatives

Beyond strengthening specific entities and introducing new legislation, the government plans to implement a new hard-hitting criminal justice system reform initiative. This initiative, which will be housed in the Presidency, aims to crack down on organized crime, corruption, and the illicit firearms trade. Procurement reform will also be prioritized, with new Public Procurement Act regulations expected by mid-2026, addressing a key area where corruption often originates. President Ramaphosa reiterated a 'zero tolerance' approach, stating, 'there will be no impunity for acts of corruption and criminality.'