The 2026 Whistleblowers Awards, held in Johannesburg, honoured individuals who have faced difficult situations while standing up for what is right. Brigadier Dineo Mokwele was among those recognised, receiving the Integrity Under Fire Special Award on October 26. Mokwele's award comes after months of public scrutiny following her arrest on fraud and corruption charges linked to her appointment in Crime Intelligence. The charges against her were withdrawn unconditionally in August 2026.
Mokwele's case drew attention to the need for fair investigations and the importance of verifying information before people are charged with serious crimes. Her experience was examined at the Madlanga Commission, where questions were raised about how the investigation was handled and whether the information used to support the charges had been properly checked. Former head of the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, Advocate Andrea Johnson, apologised for previously describing Mokwele's appointment as a "token appointment" and acknowledged that she had not personally checked Mokwele's qualifications before charges were brought.
Mokwele holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Engineering, and a National Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering. The charges against her and her co-accused were never tested in court, but the evidence presented at the commission raised questions about the investigation. For Mokwele, the award marks a moment of recognition after a difficult period. Her experience has highlighted the challenges faced by whistleblowers in South Africa.
Other police officers were also recognised at the awards. Warrant Officer Karl Sander, a Hawks investigator who testified at the Madlanga Commission, received recognition for his role in bringing information about alleged wrongdoing to light. Brigadier Attie Lamprecht received the Whistleblower Sherpa Support Award for his work supporting anonymous crime reporting and protecting informants. Lamprecht has worked to help people report crime safely throughout his decades of service in the South African Police Service.
The awards were organised by Public Interest SA and took place on October 26, followed by the Whistleblowers Summit on October 27. The summit brought together people from different sectors to discuss how whistleblowers can be better protected and how institutions can be held accountable. The event highlighted the importance of protecting whistleblowers and ensuring that their reports are taken seriously.
In South Africa, speaking out against wrongdoing can have serious consequences. People who report corruption may face threats, lose their jobs, or struggle to find support. This can make others afraid to come forward, even when they have important information about wrongdoing. Recognising whistleblowers is crucial, but it is not enough; institutions must also ensure that people who report wrongdoing are protected.
The awards celebrated people who have faced difficult circumstances while standing up for their principles. However, the bigger challenge is making sure that their experiences lead to change. For South Africa to build trust in its institutions, investigations must be fair, evidence must be checked, and people who expose wrongdoing must be protected. Speaking out should not leave people to face the consequences alone.
Key points
- Brigadier Dineo Mokwele received the Integrity Under Fire Special Award at the 2026 Whistleblowers Awards.
- The awards highlighted the challenges faced by whistleblowers in South Africa and the need for better protection and accountability.
- The event was organised by Public Interest SA and took place on October 26 and 27, 2026.
