Two South African whistle-blowers have received international recognition at the 2025 Blueprint for Free Speech Awards, announced during a virtual ceremony hosted by the BBC’s Razia Iqbal on Wednesday. The honours were awarded to Tumiso Mphuthi, who exposed large-scale procurement irregularities at the Construction Sector Education and Training Authority (Ceta), and thelate Pamela Mabini, a community activist who alerted authorities to alleged sex trafficking linked totelevangelist Timothy Omotoso. Mabini, a respected activist against gender-based violence, was shot dead outside her Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, home in March 2025.
Her award was accepted by a relative, Luzuko Gaxamba, who said the recognition was more than symbolic. The family plans to use the prize money to grow theMaro Foundation, an NGO Mabini founded to support GBV survivors, offer advocacy, and provide development programmes. Gaxamba described Mabini as a passionate community builder who abandoned formal employment to work full-time with vulnerable families.
She became a key whistle-blower in the Omotoso case, supporting victims despite repeated threats. “She once had gunmen come to her home. She never backed down,” he told Sowetan.
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“Her murder shows why SA urgently needs stronger protection for whistle-blowers.” Gaxamba said the award will ensure her legacy lives far beyond her death. “The prize money will go a long way. Pamela was a breadwinner, and her death devastated us,” he said.
Omotoso was acquitted in March and he was deported back to Nigeria shortly afterwards after being expelled for being in SA illegally. Meanwhile, Mphuthi told Sowetan while her whistle-blowing has ruined her career, the award brings rare comfort after years of intimidation, professional victimsation, and fear for her family’s safety.
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