Cape Town - “I am pleased the world is recognising South African whistle-blowers, it’s tragic that the South African government and the business community is not doing the same.”
These were the words of whistle-blower and author of the book, Deep Collusion: Bain and the capture of South Africa, Athol Williams, after he won two international awards for blowing the whistle on state capture and corruption in 2019.
Williams’ disclosures about US-based consultancy Bain & Co formed a central plank of the Zondo Commission’s investigations which found Bain’s involvement with Sars was unlawful.
Bain has been banned from competing for government contracts in both the UK and South Africa, and Williams was involved in both campaigns.
He was awarded the 2022 Blueprint for Free Speech Special Recognition Award from Australia-based Blueprint for Free Speech.
UK-based SA Chamber of Commerce UK also awarded him with the Chairman’s Award.
After testifying, Williams asked in vain for state protection, believing his life was in danger because he had stepped on many powerful toes. After the 2021 assassination of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, fearing for his life, he left his family behind and fled the country.
“I hope the award will amplify my concerns over continued state capture in our country and the urgent call for whistle-blower protection,” said Williams.
“There is currently no protection for whistle-blowers in SA, especially those who speak out against high-level corruption and state capture. Without protection these whistle-blowers live in fear and will limit their disclosures. Worse still, without protection, potential whistle-blowers will be discouraged from speaking up.”
The Institute of Social and Corporate Ethics (ISCE) founder added that he would never regret acting “by my ethical convictions especially when doing so is in the public interest”.
“I believe that an ethical society becomes a prosperous society, hence my focus on ethics. I would encourage others to speak up because it is the only way we’re going to uncover the rot in our country but this comes with a serious caution – before someone speaks up they must ensure they understand their risks and rights by gaining advice from experts like The Whistleblower House. Otherwise it can be dangerous and can lead to devastation as I discovered where my career has been destroyed and I’ve faced safety concerns which forced me to leave the country,” he said.
He currently lectures at Oxford University in the area of business ethics and continues his involvement with Read to Rise, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting youth literacy in schools.
“I also continue to advocate for transparency, accountability and reparations from companies involved in state capture,” Williams said, adding he was contributing to criminal investigations being conducted by local authorities.
Bain & Co has maintained it repaid all fees to SARS plus interest and is determined to make sure that “the events of the past can never be repeated”.He was awarded the 2022 Blueprint for Free Speech Special Recognition Award from Australia-based Blueprint for Free Speech.
UK-based SA Chamber of Commerce UK also awarded him with the Chairman’s Award.
After testifying, Williams asked in vain for state protection, believing his life was in danger because he had stepped on many powerful toes.
After the 2021 assassination of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, fearing for his life, he left his family behind and fled the country.
“I hope the award will amplify my concerns over continued state capture in our country and the urgent call for whistle-blower protection,” said Williams.
“There is currently no protection for whistle-blowers in South Africa, especially those who speak out against high-level corruption and state capture.
“Without protection these whistle-blowers live in fear and will limit their disclosures.
“Worse still, without protection, potential whistle-blowers will be discouraged from speaking up.”
The Institute of Social and Corporate Ethics (ISCE) founder added that he would never regret acting “by my ethical convictions especially when doing so is in the public interest”.
“I believe that an ethical society becomes a prosperous society, hence my focus on ethics.
“I would encourage others to speak up because it is the only way we’re going to uncover the rot in our country but this comes with a serious caution – before someone speaks up they must ensure they understand the risks and rights by gaining advice from experts like The Whistle-blower House.
“Otherwise it can be dangerous and can lead to devastation as I discovered where my career was destroyed and I’ve faced safety concerns which forced me to leave the country,” he said.
He lectures at Oxford University in the area of business ethics and continues his involvement with Read to Rise, a non-profit organisation committed to promoting youth literacy in schools.
“I also continue to advocate for transparency, accountability and reparations from companies involved in state capture,” Williams said, adding he was contributing to criminal investigations being conducted by local authorities.
Bain & Co has maintained it repaid all fees to Sars plus interest and is determined to make sure that “the events of the past can never be repeated”.
Cape Times