Frequently Asked Questions
As a whistleblower or potential whistleblower,
we know you have a lot of questions.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions about our company.
TWBH is a unique and very young organisation operating in uncharted territory. We are a learning organisation, continuously striving to improve our services based on what we encounter. We also encourage our service providers to enhance their standards. This FAQs reflects what we currently know and do. It will be updated as new information becomes available. Please revisit this page regularly to stay informed.
It is advisable to contact us before taking any action. Ideally, you should reach out to TWBH prior to making a disclosure. This allows for a consultation with our legal partners and psychologists, who can guide you through the process. We strongly recommend reading our Whistleblower Guidebooks before initiating a whistleblowing disclosure.
No, TWBH is not a whistleblowing hotline—we do not have the infrastructure or mandate to receive or investigate reports. Our focus is on providing four core services that support whistleblowers throughout their journey. We recommend contacting us before using your company’s whistleblowing channel. It is important to avoid using work devices or email when blowing the whistle. You may also consider reporting to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) or other relevant authorities, depending on the case.
No, we currently only provide direct assistance to whistleblowers in South Africa. However, for support across the African continent, we encourage you to contact PPLAAF, the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa. We collaborate with PPLAAF and other partners. You can view our full list of partners here.
Yes, your identity will remain confidential. We maintain a secure website and follow strict security protocols to protect all client information. We do not disclose your details publicly. Your information is only shared with our legal partners once we have confirmed there is no conflict of interest. For psychological support, only your name is shared with the therapist to enable initial contact. Therapists are bound by strict professional oath.
Yes, you can still seek assistance from TWBH even if you reported through an external hotline. If you are experiencing occupational detriment as a result of your disclosure, we may be able to offer support—provided it falls within our mandate.
Legal Matters
Here are some common questions about our legal support. For more information, check out our legal guidebook.
Once we receive your information, it is shared with our legal partners for an initial assessment. Based on their legal opinion on whether the matter qualifies as a whistleblower case and the prospects of success, a decision will be made on whether we are able to assist. Legal support is dependent on the specific circumstances of your case. If you are already working with a law firm and are considering changing representation or can no longer afford legal fees, we will assess the situation accordingly.
Please note that legal partners will require documentation from you to conduct a thorough review. Whistleblowers must be willing to cooperate and provide relevant documents upon request. If your request is approved, our legal partners will guide and support you through appropriate proceedings, including CCMA (Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration) hearings and court appearances.
No, TWBH does not handle the reporting of criminal activities or corruption, nor do we investigate any such matters. However, we can direct you to the appropriate authorities. All our Whistleblower Guidebooks include useful contact directories, and our support hub provides additional resources.
TWBH does not refer cases directly to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA), or Labour Court unless it falls within our mandate. The responsibility for reporting remains with the whistleblower.
TWBH covers the cost of legal and psychological support services provided through our approved partners.
Psychological Support
Here are some common questions about our psychological support. For more information, check out our psychological guidebook.
Each whistleblower typically receives up to 10 therapy sessions. The number of sessions may vary depending on the individual's needs. If your therapist recommends additional sessions, TWBH will review the request for possible approval.
Yes, support can be extended to spouses or immediate family members, subject to review and approval.
TWBH covers the cost of sessions provided through our programme.
Yes, you may continue seeing the therapist privately at your own cost.
If your therapist recommends additional sessions, we will carefully review the request before approving or declining further support.
We encourage whistleblowers who have medical aid with psychological cover to use it first. This ensures that our limited resources are reserved for those without access to private healthcare.
If a psychologist recommends psychiatric treatment, TWBH will assess the situation. Where appropriate, we may cover the cost of psychiatric care, including hospitalisation and prescribed medication.
Financial Support
Here are some common questions about our financial support. For more information, check out our financial guidebook.
To apply for funding, you must complete our onboarding form.
Funding is valid for a total of six months and is provided in two phases of three months each. You must apply for the initial three-month period first. Your application will be assessed, and funding will be granted only if all preconditions are met.
After the first three months, a second review will be conducted. If all criteria are still met, you may then apply for an additional three months of support.
The following documents are required for both applications:
• A motivation letter for funding
• Bank statements for the last three months (for all your accounts)
• A stamped bank confirmation letter
• A certified copy of your identity document
No, funding is limited to one application per whistleblower. Once you have received the full funding amount, you are not eligible to apply for additional financial support. However, you may apply multiple times for other types of assistance, including legal, psychological, or security services.
Yes, we collaborate with a recruitment partner who assists with distributing CVs. However, we cannot guarantee employment, nor does the recruitment agency.
While we do not directly facilitate re-entry into the public sector, our aim is to support you throughout the whistleblowing journey. We are exploring options such as coaching and mentoring to further assist whistleblowers after their cases are closed.
Security Support
Here are some common questions about our security support. For more information, check out our security guidebook..
We offer access to the AURA app, a panic button service for emergency situations. If you believe your life is in danger, you may use this feature—but only after receiving approval from TWBH. You are encouraged to share any specific safety concerns with us, and we will assess the situation and assist where possible.
TWBH does not operate formal safe houses. However, we can provide secure accommodation such as vetted guesthouses with security measures, tailored to your situation.