'Cyril-led government revel in theft, deception' says whistleblower Athol Williams

THE lack of protection of whistleblowers is a symptom of two tragic realities which have been perpetuated and exacerbated under the Ramaphosa government, says scholar and whistleblower Dr Athol Williams. 

“Disregard for human life” is tragedy one and “corruption as a norm” is tragedy two, he told the Cape Times in an exclusive interview. 

In 2021, at great risk to himself and his career, Williams blew the whistle exposing plans by consultancy Bain and Company to weaken the South African Revenue Services during the tenure of former commissioner Tom Moyane.

Bain and Co were banned from tendering for government contracts for 10 years but the strain of being an unsupported whistleblower for three years took its toll on Williams’ health and resulted in him having to go into exile following threats on his life. 

Williams was also one of the key witnesses to testify at the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into state capture - much like Marius van der Merwe, a crucial witness at the Madlanga Commission, who was shot dead outside his Brakpan home on Friday. 

Van der Merwe, a security company owner, had implicated the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) in his testimony, alleging that they had been involved in the torture and murder of an unnamed man, and he was forced to dispose of the body. 

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola said three people of interest have been identified and one has been taken for questioning, as police investigations continue.

“We are confident that soon we will register a breakthrough as police remain on high alert for those behind the killing of Mr Van der Merwe. Safe to say, investigations are on the right track. The NATJOINTS together with the Madlanga Commission has met and developed a plan to heighten and enhance security around officials and witnesses linked to the commission.”

Reacting to Van der Merwe's murder, Williams said: “Our government's apathy towards assault, rape and murder is a human tragedy. Our government has demonstrated a disregard for human rights and citizen interests and a disregard for the vulnerable. It is openly obvious from the commissions we’ve had that the Ramaphosa government and many in our business community revel in theft, deception, dishonesty and cover-ups. When something is a norm, people do it without a second thought, it becomes normal behaviour.

"The result is that anyone who disrupts tragedy reality 2 (corruption as a norm) is met with Tragedy reality 1 (Disregard for human life) . 

“In this way the ANC has reset our country’s moral compass, deception is good, truth is bad. We celebrate corruption and self-interest while silencing those who act for truth and the interest of our society. Whistleblowers are the greatest disruptors of corruption. Under a government where corruption is the norm, whistleblowers are deemed the enemy, and so their murder, harassment or abandonment are deemed good. Harming whistleblowers not only affects them and their families, and their particular cases, but discourages any future whistleblowers. In this way the wall that stands against the flood of corruption will erode until we all are drowned,” said Williams. 

“I testified at the Zondo Commission in 2021 but have been forced into exile. The tragic reality of my experience has been captured in my latest book of poems, End & Beginning which includes the lines, ‘Forgive me father, for I have sinned; I’ve spoken truth’. I believe that my life is my message so I continue to pursue justice and I continue to strive for excellence.”

The South African Community of Faith-Based Fraternals & Federations (SACOFF) visited Van der Merwe’s home at the weekend to pay their respects. 

“Marius van der Merwe stood for truth in a climate of fear and intimidation. He sought to expose the alleged involvement of senior state and police role players in the torture and murder of a Zama Zama miner who was allegedly buried alive —an act of unspeakable cruelty. Before he could present these allegations publicly, his life was taken. His silence was forced through violence. His courage must not be forgotten,” said the organisation’s president Pastor Bert Pretorius. 

Cape Times