The whistleblower's handbook

We often read about whistleblowers in the media these days, but what is a whistleblower exactly? This is someone who tells their employer, a regulatory body, a government official, the police or the media about an illegal or dangerous activity that they have become aware of, usually through their work.

Whistleblowers provide a valuable service to other people, the nation and the economy because they provide tipoffs about health and safety risks, fraud, corruption, cover-ups, and other problems, to people who are able to take the necessary steps.

Through the brave actions of whistleblowers, illegal activities can be stopped, public and private money recouped, and lives can even be saved.

It takes a certain degree of bravery to become a whistleblower, however. There are some risks associated with blowing the whistle, but those who commit themselves to revealing the truth have not let themselves be deterred.

Since our launch in January 2012 to the end of March 2014 we have received over 3 050 reports of confirmed corruption from people from all walks of life. Everyone who reports corruption to us is a whistleblower – but you can remain anonymous if you wish.

In this e-book we talk about what it means to be a whistleblower, who can be a whistleblower, how to do it, and what laws protect the whistleblower. We also share the real-life stories of whistleblowers who chose to not look the other way. This information will help you to make the right decision if you ever find yourself in the same situation.