Civil Society Organisations Condemn Intimidation of SCOPA Chairperson and RAF Whistleblowers

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, express grave concern at the disclosure by MP
Songezo Zibi, Chair of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), that he is under
surveillance and facing possible intimidation linked to Parliament’s inquiry into the Road Accident
Fund (RAF). These intimidatory acts strike at the heart of Parliament’s constitutional oversight
mandate and the public’s right to accountable governance.

Parliament’s investigative and accountability work must proceed free from interference. The public is
owed a full and transparent reckoning as to the operations of the RAF, recipient of such huge
amounts of public monies. We expect a clear, unambiguous response from Parliament itself and from
all political parties condemning surveillance and/or intimidation of Members and safeguarding the
integrity of committee processes.

However, our strongest outrage is reserved for the intimidation of whistleblowers—many with first
hand knowledge of systemic and criminal corruption within the RAF and without public profiles or
resources of any kind to provide protection —who now fear for their safety. This criminal
intimidation comes not only at the cost of their absolute right to personal security but at the cost to
the public’s right to know how monies from the public fiscus were spent.

Our calls to action
Parliament must:
Issue an all-party statement condemning surveillance and intimidation of MPs and whistleblowers,
and affirming that SCOPA’s work will proceed without delay.
Put in place an immediate security and integrity plan for SCOPA proceedings (secure venues, device
protocols, evidence-protection measures) and report back to the House.
Ensure ongoing October hearings continue on schedule, with enhanced protections for witnesses.

Executive and Interim RAF Leadership:
Minister Barbara Creecy and the interim RAF Board must publicly guarantee full protection and
support for RAF whistleblowers, including safe reporting channels, non-retaliation undertakings,
legal/psychosocial support, and rapid access to the Witness Protection programme where indicated.
Direct the RAF to preserve records, cooperate fully with SCOPA and the SIU, and suspend any officials
credibly implicated pending due process.

Law enforcement and oversight bodies:
The Hawks and relevant authorities must urgently investigate the alleged surveillance and
intimidation; provide Parliament with timelines and periodic public updates.
Where unlawful interception or data abuse is suspected, the Information Regulator and Joint
Standing Committee on Intelligence should assess possible misuse of state or private capabilities.
The public is owed full disclosure about the extent of the criminality that has taken hold at RAF. It
cannot be allowed that this criminality infects and cripples accountability itself. We stand with
SCOPA, Chairperson Zibi and all those who can assist in ensuring a full reckoning. The intimidation
must end and the inquiry must continue—swiftly and safely.

The organisations that endorsed the statement: