A long-awaited bill to protect whistleblowers will be tabled in 2026 to provide greater protection for them and to criminalise retaliation.
President Cyril Ramaphosa made the pledge during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night.
He’s promised that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into police corruption will lead to far reaching changes.
Ramaphosa said firm action will also be taken against those who seek to silence people who speak out against corruption.
With rampant corruption in the South African Police Service (SAPS) exposed by the Madlanga Commission and the ad hoc committee in Parliament, Ramaphosa has given the assurance that he’s already acted on the findings of the interim report he’s received from the commission.
“We cannot tolerate this. The rule of law depends on a police service that is ethical, responsive and rooted in the communities that it serves.”
While a police task team ensures investigations arising from the commission are undertaken swiftly, Ramaphosa said the State Security Agency (SSA) will re-vet senior management.
“We are determined that the commission’s findings and recommendations will lay the basis for a fundamental reform of our criminal justice system.”
Ramaphosa said new legislation on whistleblowing will seek to provide psychosocial, legal and financial support to whistleblowers.
“We cannot accept that those who speak out against corruption are victimised, targeted and killed.”
Furthermore, Ramaphosa said special attention will be given to restructuring the procurement system with the aim of ending corruption.
In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) under a Government of National Unity (GNU), President Cyril Ramaphosa has attempted to paint a picture of optimism for the country despite the many hardships faced by ordinary South Africans.
In his speech on Thursday night, Ramaphosa said the nation has reached a turning point and that it’s leaving behind an era of decline.
But he also reiterated his warning from 2025 that South Africa stands firm on its sovereignty and will not allow itself to be bullied.
Jobs and debt reduction top agenda in President’s State of the Nation Address
Ramaphosa said the country is stronger than it was a year ago.
He said the GNU has demonstrated that it is possible for South Africans to work together across the political divide towards a common agenda of growth and progress.
Ramaphosa has highlighted stabilising the country’s finances with two budget surpluses, lower debt and borrowing costs, and the strengthening of the rand.
However, despite four consecutive quarters of economic growth, Ramaphosa admitted that this has to happen faster.
“Now is not the time to rest. Now is the time for all South Africans to be part of taking our country forward.”
On foreign policy, Ramaphosa said South Africa will forge strong partnerships with like-minded countries to respond to global disruptions.
“We are clear that we will continue to respect the rights and sovereignty of other nations. But we must be equally clear that we will not be bullied by any other country in the world.”
Ramaphosa said the country is leaving behind five years of hardship in overcoming the effects of State capture, the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 unrest and flooding.
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Updated: February 2026
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