Sarika Lakraj-Naidoo, a 56-year-old former chief financial officer at the City of Johannesburg, has spoken about the traumatic experience of being a whistleblower in South Africa. She reported alleged irregularities involving the municipality's multi-billion-rand vehicle fleet, including Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) vehicles and fire trucks. Lakraj-Naidoo's actions led to her dismissal from her 15-year job in June 2023, following disciplinary proceedings.
Lakraj-Naidoo said she first became concerned about the city's vehicle expenditure in 2019 while preparing a report on the public safety department for the mayor. She reported the alleged irregularities to the Gauteng Forensic and Investigative Services (GFIS) and to the Hawks. However, she said she faced allegations of gross misconduct, dishonesty, harassment, intimidation, and bullying, which she disputed.
The arbitration process ultimately vindicated Lakraj-Naidoo on significant aspects of the disciplinary case. She was awarded compensation equivalent to 10 months' remuneration, although she was not reinstated. Lakraj-Naidoo said she had lost her job, livelihood, and sense of security after raising concerns about alleged irregularities. She is now desperately seeking employment and has had to sell her wedding rings to take care of her family.
Lakraj-Naidoo's experience has left her questioning whether whistleblowers are adequately protected in South Africa. She said she had sought help from various organizations, including non-profit organizations (NPOs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), but was turned away. Her case has highlighted the brutal reality for whistleblowers in South Africa, who often face threats, lose their jobs, and are discredited for doing the right thing.
Pops Rampersad, an executive member of the Active Citizens Movement (ACM), a civil society organization, said Lakraj-Naidoo's case was a prime example of the retaliation faced by whistleblowers. He called for urgent reform of whistleblower legislation to protect honest officials who speak out against corruption. Yashica Padia, an ACM exco member, emphasized the importance of support for whistleblowers from everyone, including their colleagues, government, the private sector, and the public.
Lakraj-Naidoo's personal life has also been severely impacted by her experience. She became a widow in 2018 when her husband was killed in a hijacking incident. She said she faced threats, including being shot at, and had to abandon her vehicle and run. Her family, including her son and parents, have also suffered trauma and major health issues as a result of the stress caused by her experience.
Lakraj-Naidoo is now trying to rebuild her life and is seeking employment. She holds a Master's degree in business administration and was working on her PhD, but had to put it on hold due to financial constraints. Her case has highlighted the need for greater protection and support for whistleblowers in South Africa.
Key points
- Whistleblower Sarika Lakraj-Naidoo was dismissed from her job and faced threats after reporting alleged irregularities at the City of Johannesburg.
- Lakraj-Naidoo's case has highlighted the need for urgent reform of whistleblower legislation to protect honest officials who speak out against corruption.
- The experience has left Lakraj-Naidoo questioning whether whistleblowers are adequately protected in South Africa.
