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They Spoke Up. They Paid the Price. Who Protects South Africa’s Whistleblowers Now?
The message Nicolette Kinnear plans to send to another widow is heartbreakingly familiar. Her husband, the anti-gang detective Charl Kinnear, was murdered outside their Bishop Lavis home. Now she feels compelled to comfort the wife of Marius van der Merwe, a man she says also died a hero.
Van der Merwe was a security company owner and a key witness before the Madlanga Commission. He shared disturbing allegations, including the involvement of the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department in the torture and murder of a man. He also revealed that he was forced to dispose of the body. He was ready to expose suspected links between powerful politicians and illegal mining. His death outside his Brakpan home has once again shaken public trust.
People across the country are asking the same question. Who would ever speak up if this is the price?
A failing system or a dangerous silence
Nicolette Kinnear says her heart bleeds for the Van der Merwe family. She has lived this nightmare before. It changes everything. Promises of state support fade quickly while families face the daily reality of loss. Children still need their parents. Life moves forward even when their world has stopped.
She believes many potential whistleblowers stay silent for this exact reason. The system is failing them. Strong words from the government feel hollow when there are no real protections. In her view, courage is punished while corruption thrives.
Despite the risks, Van der Merwe stepped forward. He testified in camera. He must have known what could happen, yet he did it anyway because the truth mattered.
The fight for protection has been ignored for too long
International watchdog Blueprint for Free Speech says South Africa’s whistleblower protection system is dangerously weak. Real reform has been slow, including delays on the Whistleblower Protection Bill recommended back in 2022. Experts say the country cannot afford more delays.
The organisation has been clear. Whistleblowers are the first line of defence for a healthy democracy. Without them, corruption multiplies unchecked.
Honouring those who spoke up and paid with their lives
Van der Merwe now joins a list of South Africans who were killed for exposing wrongdoing. They include figures like Babita Deokaran and Marumo Eric Phenya. Many others have survived threats, constant surveillance, and attempts on their lives.
One current whistleblower award recipient, Tumiso Mphuthi, summed up the bitter feeling many activists share. He said he will probably only be honoured after he is already gone.
The message that cannot be ignored
Kinnear refuses to allow fear to win. She urges South Africans not to give up. Brave people stood up and told the truth because they believed the public deserved honesty and justice.
South Africa is again at a crossroads. Van der Merwe’s death cannot become another headline lost in the cycle. It must be the turning point that forces urgent protection, real laws, and visible support.
These families deserve more than flowers on coffins.
They deserve a country that ensures their sacrifice is not repeated.
Also read: Why Major Corruption Cases Keep Slipping Through the NPA’s Fingers
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: E-International Relations
