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Image: OUTA
Civil society organisations condemn intimidation of Scopa chairperson and RAF whistleblowers
We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express grave concern at the disclosure by MP Songezo Zibi, Chair of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa), that he is under surveillance and facing possible intimidation linked to Parliament’s inquiry into the Road Accident Fund (RAF). These intimidatory acts strike at the heart of Parliament’s constitutional oversight mandate and the public’s right to accountable governance.
Parliament’s investigative and accountability work must proceed free from interference. The public is owed a full and transparent reckoning as to the operations of the RAF, recipient of such huge amounts of public monies. We expect a clear, unambiguous response from Parliament itself and from all political parties condemning surveillance and/or intimidation of Members and safeguarding the integrity of committee processes.
However, our strongest outrage is reserved for the intimidation of whistleblowers — many with first-hand knowledge of systemic and criminal corruption within the RAF and without public profiles or resources of any kind to provide protection — who now fear for their safety. This criminal intimidation comes not only at the cost of their absolute right to personal security but at the cost to the public’s right to know how monies from the public fiscus were spent.
Our calls to action
Parliament must:
Issue an all-party statement condemning surveillance and intimidation of MPs and whistleblowers, and affirming that Scopa’s work will proceed without delay.
Put in place an immediate security and integrity plan for Scopa proceedings (secure venues, device protocols, evidence-protection measures) and report back to the House.
Ensure ongoing October hearings continue on schedule, with enhanced protections for witnesses.
Executive and interim RAF leadership:
Minister Barbara Creecy and the interim RAF board must publicly guarantee full protection and support for RAF whistleblowers, including safe reporting channels, non-retaliation undertakings, legal/psychosocial support, and rapid access to the Witness Protection programme where indicated.
Direct the RAF to preserve records, cooperate fully with Scopa and the SIU, and suspend any officials credibly implicated pending due process.
Law enforcement and oversight bodies:
The Hawks and relevant authorities must urgently investigate the alleged surveillance and intimidation; provide Parliament with timelines and periodic public updates.
Where unlawful interception or data abuse is suspected, the Information Regulator and Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence should assess possible misuse of state or private capabilities.
The public is owed full disclosure about the extent of the criminality that has taken hold at RAF. It cannot be allowed that this criminality infects and cripples accountability itself. We stand with Scopa, Chairperson Zibi and all those who can assist in ensuring a full reckoning. The intimidation must end and the inquiry must continue — swiftly and safely.
The organisations that endorsed the statement:
1. Active Citizens Movement
2. Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
3. Amnesty International South Africa
4. Azakhiwe YDP
5. Be The Future Foundation
6. Campaign for Free Expression
7. Citizens of Conscience
8. Council for the Advancement of the South African Constitution
9. Expression Culture Academy
10. Fractl Co-Operative
11. Ghandi Development Trust
12. Johannesburg Against Injustice
13. Kuhlase Disability Centre
14. Msunduzi Association of Residents Ratepayers and Civics
15. Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse
16. Public Affairs Research Institute
17. Sinqobile Life Support
18. Solidarity
19. South African Conversations
20. SynNovation Solutions PTY LTD
21. Tamil Progressive Movement
22. The Evangelic Alliance of South Africa
23. Uthingo Network
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