Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has firmly declined to extend the window for public submissions on the draft Protected Disclosures Bill.

Although several civil society organisations haverequested more time to review the legislation, the comment period officially closed on May 14, allowing the department to expedite the Bill for parliamentary review.

Earlier in the month, a coalition of civil society organisations led by Corruption Watch, appealed to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for a deadline extension. The coalition argued that there were "serious gaps" in the draft legislation and that the public lacked sufficient time and information to provide meaningful, comprehensive input.

Despite the advocacy groups' concerns, Kubayi ruled out any further delays, noting that the urgency of the situation took precedence. She stressed that further extending the public comment period would only prolong the vulnerabilities faced by whistleblowers, many of whom risk their lives and livelihoods to expose corruption.

“Failure to expeditiously conclude this framework for the protection of whistleblowers will have grave consequences for the individuals who put their lives in danger to expose wrongdoing and corruption,” Kubayi said. "A further extension will not be in the interest of whistleblowers and our justice system."

First introduced for public review in April 2026, the proposed legislation is designed to significantly strengthen South Africa’s whistleblower protection framework.

Kubayi said while the public comment period was complete, citizens and advocacy groups would still have future opportunities to make their voices heard. The draft bill was now being prepared for Parliament, where it would undergo formal public participation processes before being voted into law.