SABC’s whistle Dixie

WHISTLE-blower has steadily become a global term since it became current in America in the 1930s. As most people know, the term refers to an insider who exposes discreditable secrets about an organisation for whom she works.

The US Senate established July 30, 2014 as the first National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.

Some would say this was a bit late in the day, and the American press has tended to focus on recent notables, such as Edward Snowden, who together with Bradley (now Chelsea) Manning organised the amazing Wikileaks scandal.

Whistle-blowers were ultimately successful in bringing about the downfall of former US president Richard Nixon and the impeachment of Bill Clinton.

We have our whistle-blowers too. The bravest of recent times were those who publicised the alleged offers made by the Guptas to them.

They include former deputy minister of finance Mcebisi Jonas, ex-ministers Themba Maseko, Barbara Hogan, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, as well as Vytjie Mentor. So far there have been no major legal consequences. Nevertheless, the practice is encouraged in unexpected places: “The whistle-blowers hotline is solely for reporting suspicions of fraud or corruption.”

This is, ironically, on the SABC form for renewal of TV licences. Who could they have in mind?