As the Freedom of Expression Institute, we feel that the probe is a serious blow to transparency in government which the Auditor-General is tasked to promote and consequently to democracy. The action taken by the Auditor-General have serious implications on free flow of information which is a cornerstone for democracy.

In South Africa, there is a law that protect whistleblowers; that is the Protected Disclosure Act, 2000. The Act however discourages employees to disclose information to the media, but rather to the Public Protector and Auditor-General, which is unfortunate.

It is high time that the role of media in democracy is appreciated and taken serious. The responsibility of the media which is to inform should be respected. And for that reason whistleblowers who provide information to the media should be equally protected by the law. When public funds are being abused, the public have the right to know and it is the media rather than the office of the Public Protector or the Auditor-General that informs the public.

On the arms deal, the offices of the Auditor-General and the Public Protector were both on the centre stage of the whole saga. Their role in the whole matter left many doubting whether they had no interest in the matter. And for that reason it would have been difficult for any whistleblower to approach them with trust.