Big Win for Whistleblowers

On 20 March 2026, the Administrator for Services Seta (SSETA) confirmed what should never have taken seven years to admit: three whistleblowers had been unfairly dismissed. This finding follows legal advice from SSETA’s internal legal team, an independent law firm, and Senior Counsel. It comes just two weeks after another whistleblower at the Construction SETA (CETA) had her suspension lifted after nearly three years.

“This is an important step in recognising the role of whistleblowers and the injustice they have faced,” says OUTA Senior Manager Rudie Heyneke. “But recognition alone is not enough. Accountability must follow.”

In November 2018, three whistleblowers approached OUTA and reported serious irregularities at SSETA. These disclosures were also reported to the Minister and the Public Protector at the time. OUTA investigated the allegations and published reports into tenders awarded to Grayson Reed, Star Sign and Print, and Five Star Communications and Projects.

Shortly after making these disclosures, the whistleblowers were charged and dismissed by SSETA on trumped-up charges.

Over the past seven years, they have faced significant hardship, including loss of income, emotional stress, and strain on their personal and family lives. Their experience highlights the real cost of speaking out against corruption.

SSETA’s acknowledgement that the dismissals were unfair provides long overdue vindication and opens the way for reinstatement and/or compensation. However, OUTA remains concerned about the absence of consequence management.

While the whistleblowers endured significant financial and emotional harm, struggling financially and emotionally for seven years, some officials implicated in the underlying matters are still employed at SSETA, have been promoted, and even shared the stage with the Administrator when he made the announcement. OUTA is not aware of any disciplinary action taken against officials involved in the evaluation and adjudication of the tenders in question.

OUTA’s investigations found that the SSETA paid approximately R370 million to Star Sign and Print and Five Star Communications and Projects for goods that were either not delivered or were significantly overpriced. Despite these findings, the brand manager involved was promoted to executive level, while the CEO who approved the payments was not investigated and was later appointed as NSFAS CEO by former minister Blade Nzimande, the same minister to whom the whistleblowers made a protected disclosure.

“These are serious governance failures,” says Heyneke. “When officials linked to these decisions face no consequences, it sends the wrong message and undermines efforts to build accountability in public institutions.”

OUTA also raised concerns with the SSETA board, chaired by Mr. Steven de Vries, regarding the failure to initiate proceedings to have the implicated service providers listed on National Treasury’s restricted suppliers’ database. No action was taken. As a result, the same individuals registered new entities and secured lucrative contracts at NSFAS under Mr. Andile Nongogo. These contracts were later terminated following an investigation by Werksman’s attorneys, but only after millions had already been paid.

The reports by these whistleblowers formed the basis of further investigations by OUTA, which exposed widespread procurement irregularities and the risk of continued financial losses. OUTA laid criminal charges against SSETA officials and service providers, and the Hawks have confirmed that these matters are under active investigation.

“The courage shown by these whistleblowers has helped expose serious wrongdoing and protect public funds,” says Heyneke. “OUTA believes they deserve to be fully reinstated with full back-pay and benefits, as part of meaningful restorative justice. South Africa cannot expect people to speak out if they are left to carry the full cost of doing so.”

OUTA calls for the fair reinstatement or compensation of the affected whistleblowers, as well as disciplinary action against those responsible for wrongdoing. Institutions must act when corruption is exposed, and those who retaliate against whistleblowers must face consequences.

OUTA salutes these morally courageous individuals at SSETA and CETA. Their actions have contributed to exposing corruption and limiting further financial losses. The personal cost they have carried underscores the urgent need for stronger protection for those who act in the public interest.

“The SSETA whistleblowers did exactly what the system asks of people. They spoke up about corruption, theft, and fraud. What followed should never have happened. Seven years of personal and financial harm is not justice. Their courage has helped expose serious wrongdoing and limit further losses. South Africa is better because of them, and because of every whistleblower who chooses to speak out. We thank you, and we salute you.” Ends Heyneke