Tuesday 27 October 2026 – Tax Justice South Africa (TJSA) has pledged to intensify its fight against illicit trade and corruption after founder Yusuf Abramjee received the Whistleblower Champion Award 2026 at Monday night’s Public Interest SA awards ceremony.
Abramjee said the recognition reinforced TJSA’s determination to expose wrongdoing, demand accountability and highlight the devastating impact of illicit trade on South Africa’s economy and communities.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Public Interest SA,” said Abramjee. “This award strengthens our resolve to continue asking difficult questions, exposing wrongdoing and demanding accountability.”
TJSA campaigns against illicit trade and the criminal networks that drain public revenue, undermine legitimate businesses and damage livelihoods. Abramjee said confronting these activities required sustained public pressure and action from those entrusted with enforcing the law.
“Speaking out against wrongdoing often means confronting powerful interests and shining a light on issues that some would prefer to keep hidden,” he said. “Silence is not an option when the future of our country is at stake.”
Abramjee called for stronger protection and support for whistleblowers, whose disclosures help expose crime and corruption.
“We must protect those who speak out and build a society where integrity, transparency and justice prevail,” he said. “People who expose wrongdoing need to know that they will be heard, supported and protected.”
He thanked Public Interest SA and everyone who supports TJSA’s work, saying the award recognised a shared commitment to defending the public interest and protecting the future of honest, hard-working South Africans.
“The fight continues,” said Abramjee. “We must never stop speaking out, and we must never stop holding those in power accountable.”
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