On 23 September 2025, the University of Venda held a Whistleblowers’ Day Webinar via the Microsoft Teams platform, aimed at fostering a culture of integrity and ethical accountability within the institution. The virtual event provided a platform for open dialogue on issues related to fraud, corruption, whistleblower safety, and institutional responses to unethical conduct. Attendees were encouraged to engage with university leadership and legal experts, raising questions and concerns about the mechanisms in place to protect whistleblowers and uphold transparency in university operations. Over 150 staff and students participated in the webinar, showcasing the institution’s commitment to promoting transparency and accountability.
Professor Bernard Nthambeleni, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Venda, welcomed attendees to the Whistleblower Day webinar, noting that the event’s purpose is to promote ethical behaviour, transparency, and good governance. He highlighted the critical role whistleblowers play in uncovering and preventing corruption, and stressed the university’s commitment to upholding ethical behaviour, transparency, and accountability.
“There’s no way we can achieve what we call good governance if the mechanism for people to report something suspicious is not in accordance with either policy or statute of that particular organisation,” he said. Prof Nthambeleni also outlined the university’s dedication to protecting whistleblowers in line with national laws and institutional policies.
Professor Barwa Kanyane, Executive
Dean of the Faculty of Management,
Commerce and Law
Professor Barwa Kanyane, Executive Dean of the University of Venda’s Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law, presented on interpreting whistleblowing statistics to build a transparent institution. He noted that “when a person provides someone else with information, it assumes a deeper trust relationship, the organisation must trust the employee and the employee must trust the employer.” Professor Kanyane discussed the University of Venda’s whistleblowing hotline, which had received 19 warrantable cases in 2025, with 57.58% of reports being genuine cases that required investigation. He cautioned against frivolous or malicious reporting, stating that whistleblowers who blow the whistle maliciously may be held accountable. Professor Kanyane also highlighted the need for feedback to whistleblowers to maintain their trust and encourage continued reporting.
Adv Eric Nemukula, Director of
Legal Services
Adv. Eric Nemukula, Director Legal Services at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), addressed the audience on “Empowering Voices: UNIVEN’s Framework for Supporting Whistleblowers”. He highlighted that UNIVEN’s policy aims to encourage and support whistleblowers while providing protection for them. When a whistleblower submits a report, it undergoes a preliminary assessment to determine credibility and seriousness, supported by prima facie evidence. Nemukula stated, “You have to report, but knowing that the allegations are substantiated and that you want to assist the institution”. The university ensures protection for whistleblowers, guaranteeing their employment despite reporting. After the investigation, fi ndings are communicated to the whistleblower within confi dentiality bounds. Adv Nemukula emphasised that malicious reporting can lead to disciplinary, civil or criminal off ences. UNIVEN applies zero tolerance towards fraud and corruption, with sanctions not less than dismissal for those found guilty.
Dr Bongani Mthembu, a Business
Operations Strategist
Guest speaker Dr Bongani Mthembu, a Business Operations Strategist with expertise in corporate ethics and governance during the University of Venda’s whistleblower webinar, presented on “Whistleblowing: Ethical Responsibility and Protection of Whistleblowers”. He highlighted that whistleblowers are “heroes who need stronger protection and funds to continue exposing corruption”. Dr Mthembu noted that existing laws are “inherently weak” and lack independent oversight, leaving whistleblowers exposed and vulnerable. He advocated for a dedicated office of public integrity and whistleblower protection agents, as well as a compensation fund financed by penalties from corruption cases.
Whistleblowers in South Africa are protected by the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA), which shields employees from occupational detriments for reporting wrongdoing in good faith. However, Dr Mthembu emphasised the need for more robust protection, citing cases like Babita Deokaran’s murder, to safeguard those who expose corruption. He suggested reviewing legislation, establishing independent oversight bodies, and providing comprehensive support mechanisms to protect whistleblowers.
During the question-and-answer session, the audience asked questions during the webinar, including clarifi cation on UNIVEN’s whistleblowing statistics, fi nancial support for whistleblowers, protection measures, consequences of slander and defamation, and the ethics of off ering fi nancial rewards to whistleblowers.
The speakers responded to the audience questions, clarifying whistleblowing statistics at UNIVEN, advocating for robust protection and support for whistleblowers, highlighting the university’s anonymous reporting system, and cautioning against malicious reporting and potential consequences. They also emphasised that whistleblowing is a vocational matter, not a business transaction, and that paying whistleblowers could lead to malicious reporting.
Dr. Mutshinyalo Ratombo, Director: Strategy and Risk at UNIVEN, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to participants, speakers, and the university leadership. He noted the engaging and fearless nature of the questions asked, indicating a deepening understanding of whistleblowing. Dr. Ratombo praised the speakers, highlighting the importance of responsible whistleblowing, transparency, and accountability. He encouraged colleagues to participate in the government’s review of whistleblowing protection legislation, contributing to the development of eff ective laws.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding and Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
