Note to Editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Mbali Mnaba and Afrikaans soundbite by Cllr Linda Louwrens.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) welcomes the official adoption of the Whistle-Blowing Policy by the Fezile Dabi District Municipal Council after months of deliberation and preparation.
The adoption of this policy follows a motion which was initiated and tabled by the DA on 05 June 2025. This policy marks a significant step towards strengthening transparency, accountability, and ethical governance within the Municipality. The policy was officially approved on 31 March 2026.
For the first time, employees, councillors, and members of the public now have an immediate, formal, and safe channel to report corruption, fraud, maladministration, and unethical conduct, with pressing safeguards against retaliation.
The policy introduces a clear and structured framework for protected disclosures, including reporting procedures, anonymous complaint mechanisms, and guidelines for investigation and accountability. It further provides direction on how serious allegations, including those involving senior municipal officials, will be handled in line with applicable legislation.
Importantly, the Municipality has already established a dedicated whistleblower email address, whistleblower@feziledabi.gov.za, accessible to the public. A customised whistle-blowing hotline is also being finalised and will be incorporated into the policy once registration processes are complete.
To ensure accessibility and awareness, the policy will be published on the municipal website within seven days of the approved date, made available through the Municipality’s Records and Administration Office, distributed to local libraries, and communicated through official municipal platforms. Additionally, to ensure a thorough understanding of the policy, a workshop was held at the municipality on 17 March 2026.
The Whistle-Blowing Policy seeks to promote zero tolerance for corruption and irregular conduct, encourage responsible reporting, protect whistle-blowers from victimisation, and foster a culture of accountability within the Municipality. The adoption of this policy demonstrates that Council can act decisively and collectively in the interest of good governance and the protection of public resources.
The DA calls on all members of the Fezile Dabi community to remain vigilant, utilise the whistle-blower mechanisms provided, and stand with us in fostering a transparent, accountable, and ethical municipality. Join us in continuing to demand integrity and good governance from local government.