Saruchera, M. and Chivandire, L. 2025. Treading on thin ice: The perilous landscape of Zimbabwe’s whistleblower protection framework. 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. 188-217
| Chapter title | Treading on thin ice: The perilous landscape of Zimbabwe’s whistleblower protection framework |
|---|---|
| Authors | Saruchera, M. and Chivandire, L. |
| Editors | Reddy, P.S, Jones, C., Pillay, P. and Zondi, S. |
| Abstract | Corruption is undoubtedly one of Zimbabwe’s major challenges and is impeding the country’s socio-economic development, public manage-ment, and investment. Despite several attempts and strategies having been put in place to prevent and combat this scourge, cases of corruption continue to rise and seem to be getting worse. When implemented cor-rectly and with unquestionable commitment, whistleblowing has proved to be an effective anti-corruption strategy in many countries. In recent years, there has been increased attention on whistleblowing in the context of various scandals involving corruption and other unethical practices. As a result, many governments around the world have put in place systems, structures, and processes, and enacted laws and regulations designed to protect whistleblowers from various risks. Without comprehensive and relevant laws, whistleblowers risk being subjected to criminal and civil court proceedings as well as the elimination of themselves and their families. This chapter identifies and critically discusses the challenges and weaknesses that exist in Zimbabwe’s whistleblowing framework. It explores the various factors that hinder the effective administration and implementation of the country’s whistleblowing laws, as well as public perceptions on the effectiveness of whistleblowing and the safety of whistleblowers. The study applies a qualitative research approach, and desktop research of existing literature in journal articles, legal statutes, books, online articles, and newspaper articles has been conducted. In addition, interviews have been held with anti-corruption crusaders. Find-ings show that currently there are several pieces of legislation that at-tempt to protect whistleblowers in Zimbabwe. However, such laws are fragmented and ineffective, and hence offer inadequate protection to any would-be whistleblowers. In addition, there are weak institutional frame-works to promote the protection of whistleblowers in Zimbabwe. The chapter recommends the Zimbabwean government to enact specific and stand-alone legislation that offers effective/adequate protection to whistleblow-ers. In addition, whistleblowing legislation should not be enacted for the purposes of complying with the provisions of international anti-corruption conventions and treaties without the political will and com-mitment to fight corruption. |
| Keywords | Zimbabwe |
| legislative framework | |
| whistleblower protection | |
| institutional frameworks | |
| Book title | Whistleblowing and Whistleblowers in Africa: Promoting Accountable and Ethical Societies |
| Page range | 188-217 |
| 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/ |