Die term whistleblowing word universeel aanvaar en daar word ʼn verskeidenheid definisies aangetref. Die eindresultaat van elke definisie bly tog dieselfde en die belangrikste gevolgtrekking wat gemaak kan word is dat ʼn werknemer ʼn beskermde openbaring maak van ongerymdhede in die werkplek en dat hy sodoende beskerm moet word van enige beroepsnadeel. Die doel van ʼn beskermde openbaring lê in die feit dat dit die hoeksteen is waarop individuele verantwoordelikheid van werknemers gebou word. Verder vestig dit ʼn kultuur in die werkplek waar stappe geneem word deur die werkgewer om ongerymdhede te bekamp, deur ʼn beleid en prosedure in plek te stel. Die sukses van die bogenoemde sal dan tot gevolg hê dat werknemers en ook werkgewers ʼn punt daarvan sal maak om op te tree in die openbare belang. Die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge 66 van 1995 bepaal dat enige beroepsnadeel wat nie in ooreenstemming met die Wet op Beskermde Openbaarmakings 26 van 2000 is nie, onbillik sal wees. Beide hierdie wette se hoofdoel is om die werknemer te beskerm teen onbillike ontslag, en in die geval van die WBO, spesifiek vir die beskerming van ʼn werknemer wat ʼn beskermde openbaring maak. Die openbaring sal beskermd wees indien die inligting in goeie trou geopenbaar is en as die werknemer ʼn redelike geloof het dat die inhoud waar en korrek is. Die ontslag van ʼn werknemer wat ʼn beskermde openbaring maak, en aan die prosedures soos deur die WBO voorgeskryf voldoen, is egter outomaties onbillik volgens artikel 187(1)(h) van die WAV. Die bewyslas rus op die werknemer om te bewys dat daar ʼn kousale verband bestaan tussen die openbaring wat hy gemaak het en die ontslag of beroepsnadeel wat plaasgevind het. Die openbaarmaker het verskeie remedies tot sy beskikking, maar in die geval van ontslag kan die Arbeidshof ʼn bevel toestaan vir die herindiensneming en/of betaling van kompensasie aan die werknemer. Die doel van hierdie navorsingsvoorstel is om vas te stel wat werknemers se remedies is in die geval waar hulle onderwerp word aan beroepsnadeel as gevolg van die openbaring van inligting binne die werkplek. Hierdie studie sal gedoen word aan die hand van die Wet op Beskermde Openbaarmakings tesame met die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge deur die posisie van die werknemer te ontleed vanaf die tydstip toe hy bewus geword het van die inligting, totdat hy sy remedies uitgeoefen het. Daar sal deurlopend na wetgewing en regspraak verwys word om alle opinies en opmerkings te steun. Ten slotte sal daar kortliks vergelykings getref word met internasionale instrumente asook internasionale wetgewing. / Thesis (LLM (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

Die term whistleblowing word universeel aanvaar en daar word ʼn verskeidenheid definisies aangetref. Die eindresultaat van elke definisie bly tog dieselfde en die belangrikste gevolgtrekking wat gemaak kan word is dat ʼn werknemer ʼn beskermde openbaring maak van ongerymdhede in die werkplek en dat hy sodoende beskerm moet word van enige beroepsnadeel. Die doel van ʼn beskermde openbaring lê in die feit dat dit die hoeksteen is waarop individuele verantwoordelikheid van werknemers gebou word. Verder vestig dit ʼn kultuur in die werkplek waar stappe geneem word deur die werkgewer om ongerymdhede te bekamp, deur ʼn beleid en prosedure in plek te stel. Die sukses van die bogenoemde sal dan tot gevolg hê dat werknemers en ook werkgewers ʼn punt daarvan sal maak om op te tree in die openbare belang. Die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge 66 van 1995 bepaal dat enige beroepsnadeel wat nie in ooreenstemming met die Wet op Beskermde Openbaarmakings 26 van 2000 is nie, onbillik sal wees. Beide hierdie wette se hoofdoel is om die werknemer te beskerm teen onbillike ontslag, en in die geval van die WBO, spesifiek vir die beskerming van ʼn werknemer wat ʼn beskermde openbaring maak. Die openbaring sal beskermd wees indien die inligting in goeie trou geopenbaar is en as die werknemer ʼn redelike geloof het dat die inhoud waar en korrek is. Die ontslag van ʼn werknemer wat ʼn beskermde openbaring maak, en aan die prosedures soos deur die WBO voorgeskryf voldoen, is egter outomaties onbillik volgens artikel 187(1)(h) van die WAV. Die bewyslas rus op die werknemer om te bewys dat daar ʼn kousale verband bestaan tussen die openbaring wat hy gemaak het en die ontslag of beroepsnadeel wat plaasgevind het. Die openbaarmaker het verskeie remedies tot sy beskikking, maar in die geval van ontslag kan die Arbeidshof ʼn bevel toestaan vir die herindiensneming en/of betaling van kompensasie aan die werknemer. Die doel van hierdie navorsingsvoorstel is om vas te stel wat werknemers se remedies is in die geval waar hulle onderwerp word aan beroepsnadeel as gevolg van die openbaring van inligting binne die werkplek. Hierdie studie sal gedoen word aan die hand van die Wet op Beskermde Openbaarmakings tesame met die Wet op Arbeidsverhoudinge deur die posisie van die werknemer te ontleed vanaf die tydstip toe hy bewus geword het van die inligting, totdat hy sy remedies uitgeoefen het. Daar sal deurlopend na wetgewing en regspraak verwys word om alle opinies en opmerkings te steun. Ten slotte sal daar kortliks vergelykings getref word met internasionale instrumente asook internasionale wetgewing. / Thesis (LLM (Labour Law))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The main focus of this dissertation is to examine the operation of whistleblowing within an organisation. Whistleblowing constitutes an act by an employee to expose perceived unlawful activity by an employer or employee, within an organisation or company, to an authority in the position to redeem the situation. It is based on the presumption that any kind of business or organisation has to be governed by laws in order to protect society from fraudulent and corrupt practices. In South Africa, the Protected Disclosures Act of 2000 (PDA) sets out a clear and simple framework to promote responsible whistleblowing by reassuring workers that to remain quiet about perceived malpractice is not the only safe option and is aimed at safeguarding the employee who raises concerns. Thus, from a legal perspective, an employee making a disclosure under certain circumstances and prerequisites enjoys full protection of the law. Whistleblowing is thus not just about anonymously informing, but rather about raising a concern. However, whistleblowers, even if they act in good faith often risk recrimination, victimisation and sometimes dismissal. Therefore, in order to determine whether the PDA is applicable, certain criteria have to be met, pertaining to the definition of disclosures and of occupational detriment. A number of consequences may follow from the contravention of the PDA. The Act provides mechanisms for the employee to disclose sensitive information regarding alleged improper conduct by the employer. In order to enjoy the protection of the act the employee must have trusted the disclosed information to be true. However, not all disclosures constitute protected disclosures, and for the purposes of the PDA certain requirements have to be met. When it comes to automatically unfair dismissals, the most difficult issue remains that of causation. It is a courageous effort to blow the whistle on perceived corrupt or illegal practices by an employer of any kind, and such an action is often met with harsh retaliation. Therefore employees often remain reluctant to speak out about practices that might threaten the higher echelons of their organisational hierarchy. On a personal level, blowing the whistle may have severe consequences for the individual; dismissal being but one of them. Internationally there is growing recognition that the act of whistleblowing is healthy and necessary for organisations in order to control corruption and illegal practices. The international community has also implemented a variety of whistleblowing laws and procedures for protecting and encouraging those who speak out. / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Mercantile Law / unrestricted

The position of the whistle-blower is known to be a precarious one, with the whistle-blower often either regarded as a hero or a reprehensible traitor. Various pieces of legislation have attempted to remedy their precarious position, especially within the employment relationship, and in which the whistle-blower more often than not has the most to lose. The study at hand has the specific objective of comparing the position of the whistle-blower in terms of South African Law, against 16 specific measurables, and in comparison with the position of the whistle-blower in New Zealand, Australia (Victoria) and the United Kingdom. In the main, the protection offered to the whistle-blower within the South African context, is embodied within the Protected Disclosure Act 26 of 2000 (hereinafter referred to as the “PDA”).In examining the protection afforded to the whistle-blower in South Africa, it is concluded that the framework involved extends much further than just the mere provisions in the PDA. However, there are admitted challenges in respect of this framework as discussed, both legislative and non-legislative, especially in respect of duties of disclosures placed on persons in circumstances in which concurrent protection is not afforded to the whistle-blower. With reference to the comparison in respect of the measurement parameters set, it was found that the PIDA (UK) meets the least amount of the measurements set, with the PDA A (Australia, Victoria) meeting the most of the measurements; the PDA NZ is equally balanced in meeting and not meeting the measurements and the PDA meeting less of the measurements than not, but still meeting more than the PIDA. It was found that had it not been for the catch-all provision contained in section 4 (1) (b) of the PDA, the PDA would have ranked last. / Mercantile Law / LLD

The position of the whistle-blower is known to be a precarious one, with the whistle-blower often either regarded as a hero or a reprehensible traitor. Various pieces of legislation have attempted to remedy their precarious position, especially within the employment relationship, and in which the whistle-blower more often than not has the most to lose. The study at hand has the specific objective of comparing the position of the whistle-blower in terms of South African Law, against 16 specific measurables, and in comparison with the position of the whistle-blower in New Zealand, Australia (Victoria) and the United Kingdom. In the main, the protection offered to the whistle-blower within the South African context, is embodied within the Protected Disclosure Act 26 of 2000 (hereinafter referred to as the “PDA”).In examining the protection afforded to the whistle-blower in South Africa, it is concluded that the framework involved extends much further than just the mere provisions in the PDA. However, there are admitted challenges in respect of this framework as discussed, both legislative and non-legislative, especially in respect of duties of disclosures placed on persons in circumstances in which concurrent protection is not afforded to the whistle-blower. With reference to the comparison in respect of the measurement parameters set, it was found that the PIDA (UK) meets the least amount of the measurements set, with the PDA A (Australia, Victoria) meeting the most of the measurements; the PDA NZ is equally balanced in meeting and not meeting the measurements and the PDA meeting less of the measurements than not, but still meeting more than the PIDA. It was found that had it not been for the catch-all provision contained in section 4 (1) (b) of the PDA, the PDA would have ranked last. / Mercantile Law / LL. D.

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / Full text to be digitised and attached to bibliographic record. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research project examines the concept and practice of whistle blowing with the aim of answering the fundamental question: when is whistle blowing morally justified or unjustified? While the different forms of whistle blowing receive attention, the focus is on the corporate world, or non-governmental whistle blowing. Whistle blowing in the corporate world has become a moral and strategic point of debate with the issue being how it can be employed as a mechanism against corruption and other forms of abuse in a way that is fair to employees, employers, and the public .. The project focuses on the moral justification of whistle blowing and the ethical framework within which it needs to function. The methodology used is that of an extensive literature study. The views of researchers' from different countries are discussed and analyzed, and the deontological and utilitarian approaches to ethical decision-making are used to arrive at deductive conclusions. It is concluded that from an ethical viewpoint, employees are morally obliged to blow the whistle to prevent potential harm to e.g. the public or the environment. Specific conditions must be satisfied, however, before whistle blowing against a corporation or employer can be regarded as morally justified. With reference to the views of researchers and a South African case study, it is established that whistle blowers need to be protected against retaliation from employers and that legislation in this regard has been lacking. An important mechanism to protect whistle blowers would be the introduction of laws to protect them against retaliatory actions such as dismissals or demotion. One of the aims of South Africa's Protected Disclosures Act (Act. No. 26, 2000) is to protect employees against any occupational detriment as a result of having blown the whistle in a manner consistent with the conditions outlined in the Act. It Is concluded that it is to the advantage of employers to promote a culture in which justified and responsible whistle blowing is encouraged and protected. Suggested ways to achieve this include developing an ethic of whistle blowing, involving unions, introducing rewards, instituting codes of ethics, and establishing specific complaint recipients within organizations. On the basis of a US case study and a study of relevant literature, it is concluded that employers and corporations also need to be protected against unethical whistle blowing. By laying down conditions that have to be met before an act of whistle blowing can be justified, the Protected Disclosures Act (Act No. 26, 2000) provides protection in this regard. The study concludes with a critical appraisal of the positive as well as the negative aspects of the Protected Disclosures Act. The Act provides the necessary legal framework and guidelines for fair and responsible whistle blowing with protection for both employees and employers, and as such could help to reduce crime and corruption in both the public and private sectors. In the South African context of high levels of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment, however, certain shortcomings are identified that may diminish the potential value of the Act. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingsprojek ondersoek die konsep en praktyk van onthulling ("whistle blowing") met die doeI om die fundamentele vraag te beantvlloord: wanneer is onthulling moreel geregverdig of ongeregverdig? Hoewel daar gekyk word na die verskillende vorms wat onthulling kan aanneem is die fokus op die korporatiewe wêreld, of nieregeringsonthulling. Onthulling het in die korporatiewe wêreld 'n morele en strategiese besprekingspunt geword, met die strydvraag hoe dit as 'n meganisme teen korrupsie en ander skadelike praktyke aangewend kan word op 'n manier wat billik teenoor werknemers, werkgewers en die publiek is. Die projek fokus op die morele regverdiging van onthulling en die etiese raamwerk waarbinne dit moet funksioneer. Die metodologie behels 'n omvattende literatuurstudie. Die sienings van navorsers van verskillende lande word bespreek en ontleed, en die deontologiese en utilitaristiese benaderings tot etiese besluitneming word gebruik om deduktiewe afleidings te maak. Die gevolgtrekking is dat uit 'n etiese oogpunt, werknemers moreel verplig is om as onthulIers op te tree om potensiële skade vir bv. die publiek of die omgewing te voorkom. Daar moet egter aan spesifieke voorwaardes voldoen word voordat onthulling wat 'n korporasie of werkgewer benadeel, as moreel geregverdig beskou kan word. Met verwysing na die sienings van navorsers en 'n Suid-Afrikaanse gevallestudie word vasgestel dat onthulIers beskerm moet word teen wraakneming van werkgewers en dat wetgewing in hierdie verband ontbreek het. 'n Belangrike meganisme om onthulIers te beskerm sou wees die instelling van wette om beskerming te bied teen vergeldingsaksies van werkgewers soos ontslag of demosie. Een van die oogmerke van Suid-Afrika se Wet op Beskermde Bekendmakings (Wet. No. 26, 2000) is om werknemers te beskerm teen enige beroepsverwante nadeel as gevolg van 'n bekendmaking wat voldoen aan die voorwaardes wat in die Wet gestipuleer word. Die gevolgtrekking word gemaak dat dit tot werkgewers se voordeel is om 'n kultuur te bevorder waar geregverdigde en verantvlloordelike onthulling aangemoedig en beskerm word. Voorgestelde wyses waarop dit gedoen kan word, sluit in die ontwikkeling van 'n onthullingsetiek, om vakbonde te betrek, die instelling van belonings, die aanneem van etiese kodes en om spesifieke klagte-ontvangers binne organisasies te vestig. Na aanleiding van 'n VSA-gevallestudie en 'n studie van tersaaklike literatuur word die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat werkgewers en korporasies ook teen onetiese onthulling beskerm moet word. Die Wet op Beskermde Bekendmakings (Wet No. 26, 2000) bied beskerming in hierdie verband deur voorwaardes te stipuleer waaraan 'n bekendmaking moet voldoen voordat dit geregverdig is. Die studie word afgesluit met 'n kritiese evaluasie van die positiewe sowel as die negatiewe aspekte van die Wet op Beskermde Bekendmakings. Die Wet stel die nodige wetlike raamwerk en riglyne vir billike en verantwoordelike onthulling daar met beskerming vir werknemers sowel as werkgewers, en as sulks kan dit help om misdaad en korrupsie in beide die openbare en die private sektor te laat afneem. In die Suid- Afrikaanse konteks van hoë vlakke van armoede, ongeletterdheid en werkloosheid word daar egter bepaalde gebreke geïdentifiseer wat die potensiële waarde van die Wet mag verminder.

The focus of this research was on the Management of Whistle-Blowing at the University of South Africa (UNISA). This study investigated the perception of UNISA staff on the issue of whistle-blowing. Using a quantitative approach, a questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from permanent employees of UNISA, at all campuses and regions, regarding the issue of whistle-blowing. This study highlights the attitudes and opinions of permanent employees of UNISA regarding the issue of whistle-blowing, and whether or not these attitude and opinions can influence the effectiveness of whistle-blowing, as a crime and unethical conduct deterrent and detection mechanism. Several issues were investigated in this study, as whistle-blowing if implemented and managed correctly, can be a valuable source of intelligence on crime and unethical conduct in the workplace. / CRIMINOLOGY / MA (POLICE SCIENCE)

The focus of this research was on the Management of Whistle-Blowing at the University of South Africa (UNISA). This study investigated the perception of UNISA staff on the issue of whistle-blowing. Using a quantitative approach, a questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from permanent employees of UNISA, at all campuses and regions, regarding the issue of whistle-blowing. This study highlights the attitudes and opinions of permanent employees of UNISA regarding the issue of whistle-blowing, and whether or not these attitude and opinions can influence the effectiveness of whistle-blowing, as a crime and unethical conduct deterrent and detection mechanism. Several issues were investigated in this study, as whistle-blowing if implemented and managed correctly, can be a valuable source of intelligence on crime and unethical conduct in the workplace. / CRIMINOLOGY / MA (POLICE SCIENCE)