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SAA Whistleblower scores first victory after sustained challenge

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South African Airways (SAA) representatives capitulated at the last moment in the labour court on Monday 22 August, after a sustained and unwavering defensive challenge by Cynthia Stimpel – SAA’s suspended Group Treasurer – supported by OUTA. They agreed to refer the case to the CCMA, where the matter will be heard by an impartial commissioner, as opposed to a SAA appointed chairperson.

SAA wanted Stimpel to give an undertaking that she would not launch any further court proceedings relating to one of the charges and to pay the costs of the court application. Neither of these requests were acceded to and the matter will now be heard by the CCMA in the near future.

When an employee working for the state notices a potential criminal abuse of authority, the biggest fear the potential whistleblower faces is being caught alone in the storm after making their protected disclosure. It is for this reason that OUTA has established its whistleblower protection program.

OUTA’s program intends to defend whistleblowers against any victimisation tactics that may be implemented by the state and others, in order to muzzle those who have the courage to stand up against flagrant abuse of state funds and processes. This program seeks to protect and redress victimisation that springs from the act of whistleblowing, which we believe will encourage more active citizenry in fighting corruption and maladministration.

OUTA’s crowd-funded whistleblowing protection program supports defense efforts of individuals by strengthening the ability of compromised whistleblowers to be successfully defended, and enables cases to later be prepared against those responsible for abuses of power, in order to root corruption and maladministration of public funds.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.