The need to protect whistleblowers has been a driving principle in protesting the Secrecy Bill, which could have far-reaching consequences for those who need to speak out against secrecy.
However, the truth is that even today most people who blow the whistle will face terrible consequences - they are likely to lose their job, face harassment, intimidation and legal threats, and potentially even face threats on their life. Yet by putting themselves at risk, they are strengthening our democracy and highlighting abuses of power.
The Right2Know campaign has put together a 2013 calendar that celebrates just a few of these individuals, and honours the sacrifices they have made to speak out against injustice.
Across South Africa, we see outrageous attacks on whistleblowers of all kinds - from corruption-busting municipal officials to crusaders against corporate crime. These courageous individuals are made out to be stooges and sell-outs, when in fact they are heroes in the fight against secrecy.
Bring an end to the persecution of whistleblowers! We call on all South Africans to defend their right to speak out!
HOW TO ORDER YOUR 2013 WHISTLEBLOWER CALENDAR:
Order your calendar today - just make any donation, big or small, to cover postage costs. Make the donation via GivenGain and please be sure include your postal address in the "Message" box. Click here!
(The 2013 R2K Calendar, designed by Meghan Judge, features Samuel Mpatlanyane, Fred Daniel, Alfred Motsi, Bhele Tholakele Dlunga, Basil Brown, Imraahn Mukaddam, Lungile Pepeta, Dumisani 'Bomber' Ntshangase, Solly Tshitangano, Roberta Nation, and Sats Pillay.)
