By Evans Dakwa, News Editor
As the country surges ahead with the fight against corruption, a vice touted as one of the key stumbling blocks towards meaningful economic development of Zimbabwe, a local anti corruption advocating Non Governmental entity has flagged the lack of an effective whistleblower protection law as one of the challenges facing the fight against graft.
In commemoration of World Whistleblower Day, Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ has said Zimbabwe’s legal environment does not fully protect whistleblowers as vital pieces in the puzzle of fighting corruption.
“Whistleblowers are vital to strengthening accountability, protecting public resources, and safeguarding the public’s right to know. Their courage directly supports TI Z’s vision of a Zimbabwe free from corruption and our mission to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability across all sectors. However, Zimbabwe’s current legal environment leaves whistleblowers dangerously unprotected, said TIZ in a press statement to commemorate a day dedicated to recognising whistleblowers.
The TIZ highlighted that these gaps in legislation to protect whistleblowers has deterred individuals from coming forward with information on corrupt practices, hindering the country’s fight against the scourge.
According to the organisation, a stand alone whistleblower protection law is urgent as it will encourage people to report corruption safely guaranteeing their safety before, during and after reporting.
While acknowledging the Cabinet for approving the legal principles of the Whistle-blower Protection Bill, the TIZ is calling on the government and parliament to “Accelerate the development of the Bill and pass a comprehensive, stand-alone whistleblower protection law that meetsinternational standards and fully protects whistleblowers from all forms of retaliation. Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to actively push for whistleblower protections and ensure that safe, independent reporting platforms are accessible. “
It also called for Civil Society, Media, and Citizens to amplify the demand for whistleblower protection and hold duty bearers accountable for legal reforms.World Whistleblower Day honours the brave individuals who step forward to expose corruption, abuse of power, and wrongdoing thus promoting transparency and accountability.