Drushanta Ramsamy and Yusuf Abramjee recognised at whistleblower awards

Advocate Drushanta Ramsamy and Tax Justice SA founder Yusuf Abramjee have been recognized for their efforts in exposing wrongdoing and promoting accountability at the whistleblower awards. Ramsamy, working with the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), received the Heroes of Integrity Award, while Abramjee was awarded the Whistleblower Champion Award.

The awards, given by Public Interest SA, aim to honor individuals and organizations who speak out against wrongdoing, safeguarding communities, businesses, and South Africa's democracy.

Yusuf Abramjee expressed his organization's honor in receiving the recognition, adding that they would continue to highlight the destructive impact of illicit trade and other illegal activities on the economy, communities, and the country. He emphasized that speaking out against wrongdoing is not easy, as it often involves confronting powerful interests, challenging the status quo, and shedding light on issues that some prefer to keep hidden. However, he stressed that silence is not an option when the future of the country is at stake.

Tebogo Khaas, founder and chairperson of Public Interest SA, stated that the awards reflect the need for a national call for systems that protect those who speak up. He highlighted that every person honored paid a price for telling the truth, and these awards publicly acknowledge the courage of South Africans who protect those who speak up. Khaas noted that speaking up has cost whistleblowers their jobs, livelihoods, and safety, with some even losing their lives.