Chitunhu, K., Chivandire, L. and Pillay, P. 2025. Silenced voices: The harsh reality of whistleblowing in Zimbabwe’s closed society. in: Reddy, P.S., Jones, C., Pillay, P. and Zondi, S (ed.) Whistleblowing and Whistleblowers in Africa: Promoting Accountable and Ethical Societies Cambridge Scholars Publishing. pp. 159-187
| Chapter title | Silenced voices: The harsh reality of whistleblowing in Zimbabwe’s closed society |
|---|---|
| Authors | Chitunhu, K., Chivandire, L. and Pillay, P. |
| Editors | Reddy, P.S., Jones, C., Pillay, P. and Zondi, S |
| Abstract | Whistleblowing plays a great role in the fight against corruption and enhances accountability and transparency in both the private and public sectors. Various mechanisms put in place to combat corruption may not be effective without whistleblowers to expose corrupt acts. Therefore, the success of any whistleblowing policy is closely linked to the right to freedom of expression. This is noted in instances where whistleblowers can freely express themselves and can report corrupt acts and other mal-practices without any fear of retribution. Against this backdrop, this chapter critically discusses the role of freedom of expression in the context of whistleblowing in Zimbabwe. It explores the link between the absence of freedom of expression and the failure of whistleblowing as an anti-corruption mechanism. The authors analyse several cases where journalists have been harassed, demoted, and arrested after blowing the whistle. The chapter deploys a documentary study and utilises secondary sources for data. Data has been collected from existing sources such as journal articles, newspapers, and online articles. The study recommends the need for the enactment of whistleblower protection laws whilst also appreciating the rights, protections, and values of freedom of expression. Furthermore, whistleblowers should be guaranteed confidentiality and the possibility of anonymity in their reporting. In addition, the government should establish a whistleblowing institution that promotes and protects the confidential submission of information. There is also a great need for political will by the government to encourage whistleblowing without victimisation, especially in high-profile corruption instances. |
| Keywords | corruption |
| whistleblowing | |
| freedom of expression | |
| Zimbabwe | |
| Book title | Whistleblowing and Whistleblowers in Africa: Promoting Accountable and Ethical Societies |
| Page range | 159-187 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Publishing |
| Publication dates | |
| Published | 26 Nov 2025 |
| ISBN | 9781036458461 |
| 9781036458478 | |
| Web address (URL) | https://cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-0364-5846-1/ |