Systemic failures in witness protection: Addressing coordination gaps and institutional weaknesses in south African state-owned enterprises

Remone Govender

doi:10.65453/ajbmr.v15i1.1383

Authors

Remone Govender Senior Manager Eskom Group Security, Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, South Africa.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65453/ajbmr.v15i1.1383

Keywords:

Witness protection, state-owned enterprises, corruption, whistleblowing, South Africa, institutional coordination, state capture, anti-corruption, organised crime, criminology.

Abstract

State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa have become epicentres of corruption, yet mechanisms designed to protect witnesses and whistleblowers remain fundamentally inadequate. This study examines institutional shortcomings in witness protection coordination within SOEs, analysing the mandate distribution among various agencies and the practical challenges in implementation. Through an examination of high-profile cases where witnesses faced intimidation, violence, or death, this research reveals critical gaps in South Africa’s approach to protecting those who expose corruption. Employing a mixed-methods approach that combines institutional analysis with case study examination, including a systematic review of legislative frameworks (2010–2024) and confidential interviews with 23 former officials across multiple institutions, the study reveals fundamental coordination failures between the Office for Witness Protection, the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, and SOE internal structures creating dangerous gaps exploited by corrupt networks. An integrated framework for SOE witness protection is proposed, emphasising resource pooling and coordinated responses. Without addressing these systemic failures, South Africa’s anti-corruption efforts will remain undermined by a climate of fear that deters potential witnesses.

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