Media Statement

Minister Kubayi not extending the window for public comments on the Protected Disclosures Bill

21 May 2026

The Minister of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, has taken a decision not to extend the window for public comments on the Protected Disclosures. The window for public comments on the Bill closed on 14 May 2026, and there have been calls by some organisations for the window to be extended for them to submit their comments.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has received a significant number of comments from various organisations and individuals, which will be processed to enrich the draft bill for submission to parliament. Given the lacuna that currently exists on the legal framework for the protection of whistleblowers, the Minister deems it necessary to expeditiously conclude this framework for the protection of lives and livelihoods of individuals who come forward with information to expose criminal activities.

“Failure to expeditiously conclude this framework for the protection of whistleblowers will have grave consequences for the individuals who put the lives in danger to expose wrongdoing and corruption. A further extension will not be in the interest of whistleblowers and our justice system. I must emphasize that organisations and individuals will still have an opportunity to make comments on the Bill when parliament opens for public participation,” said Minister Kubayi.

Audio Clip: Palesa Rammitlwa, Spokesperson to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, on Minister Kubayi not extending window for public comments on the protected disclosures bill.

Media enquiries: Ms Palesa Rammitlwa, Spokesperson to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development - 064 933 3628.

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA