Here is the rewritten article in Markdown format:

Malawi Whistleblower Protection Laws Take Center Stage at Johannesburg Webinar

============================================================

A recent webinar held in Johannesburg, Malawi brought together experts and stakeholders to discuss the need for robust whistleblower protection laws in the country. The event, hosted by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), marked a crucial step towards drafting comprehensive legislation to protect whistleblowers.

Protection Must Begin from the Start

According to PPLAAF’s Southern Africa Director, Pusetso Morapedi, “Protection must be included and respected from the beginning of conceptualizing a whistleblower law. Protection should begin the moment wrongdoing is identified and reported.” Morapedi emphasized that it is essential for protection to start as soon as an individual reports wrongdoing.

Presentations at the Webinar

The webinar featured presentations by Ida Nowers, Law and Policy Coordinator at Whistleblowing International Network (WIN), and PPLAAF’s Southern Africa Director, Pusetso Morapedi. Jeff Kabondo, Governance Programmes Coordinator at the African Institute of Corporate Citizenship (AICC), chaired the meeting.

Current State of Whistleblower Protection in Malawi

Malawi currently lacks a comprehensive whistleblower protection law, but since 2021, there has been an effort to develop one. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is working in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice to draft dedicated legislation on whistleblower protection.

Collaboration and Inputs from Civil Society

Kabondo emphasized that now is the perfect time for civil society to work together and contribute their inputs into the legislation. He believes it won’t be a daunting task, given the government’s positive steps towards developing the law.

Position Paper by Civil Society

In the coming weeks, civil society in Malawi will develop a position paper to share with relevant authorities. The aim is to ensure that whistleblower protection laws are robust and effective in protecting individuals who report wrongdoing.

About PPLAAF

PPLAAF, a non-governmental organization established in 2017, advocates for whistleblower protection and engages in strategic litigation on behalf of whistleblowers when their revelations serve the general interests of African citizens.