Malawi marks Africa Anti-Corruption Day with focus on whistleblower protection
The ACB's focus on whistleblower protection aligns with the AU's push for member states to utilize whistleblower protection laws as a crucial tool in the fight against corruption across the continent.
LILONGWE, Malawi— Malawi's Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is commemorating the 2024 Africa Anti-Corruption Day with football matches and public awareness campaigns, focusing on the importance of whistleblower protection in combating corruption, writes Winston Mwale.
The African Union (AU) designated July 11 as Anti-Corruption Day, marking the adoption of the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption in 2003.
This year's theme is "Effective Whistleblower Protection Mechanism: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption."
Hillary Chilomba, Acting Director General of the ACB, announced that the bureau will host football matches in Lilongwe and Mangochi to disseminate anti-corruption messages, particularly emphasizing the role of whistleblowers.
"Malawi is in the process of coming up with a comprehensive Whistleblower Protection legislation," Chilomba said.
"When in place, the Act will encourage corruption reporting without fear of victimization by the perpetrators of corrupt practices."
The Lilongwe event is funded by Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) and Center for the Development of People (CEDEP), while the Mangochi event is supported by the Malawi government through the ACB.
Chilomba called on all governance and other institutions in Malawi to plan activities commemorating the day annually, emphasizing the collective effort needed to create a corruption-free Malawi.
The ACB's focus on whistleblower protection aligns with the AU's push for member states to utilize whistleblower protection laws as a crucial tool in the fight against corruption across the continent.