PUBLIC STATEMENT
10 August 2026
This is the bravest thing I’ve ever had to do. I have been living my life in fear for months. I am being threatened by my cousin Lebohang Chanza, the wife of Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala, and other individuals she is affiliated with in order to intimidate and silence me because I uncovered crimes that have been committed. There have been many attempts to discredit and silence me.
I have for the past few months been living in isolation. I have reached out to certain members of the community, security services, colleagues in my profession and the police seeking guidance and assistance regarding my situation, who have all been supportive but could not offer me assistance that guarantees my safety because there is currently no legislation in effect that affords whistleblowers any form of protection in this country. I have also seen many incidents of brave men and women being killed for coming forward.
I have kept my silence, but the threats have not ceased. I am now afraid to go to work or even take a walk within my gated community. I have since lost 10kgs from living in fear and anxiety. My health has been affected. I had hoped that in remaining silent I would be spared but I have recently had a hitman posing as a delivery guy knock at my apartment door and threaten me. He told me to keep my mouth shut or I will be permanently silenced. The incident was reported to security and the police, who yet again encouraged me to go to authorities and officially lay charges or seek a protection order, which I now intent to do. I have been reluctant at first because I stand alone as well as due to the nature and sensitivity of the issues at hand. There have also been many other incidents where my life was threatened.
I have not received support from my family because naturally, people don’t often side with the truth tellers and would rather protect those with the loudest voice. I have been praying every night seeking God for strength, guidance and protection. This morning I woke up from a dream of my great grandmother MaNdlela reminding me that I am a great granddaughter of the great warrior and king Ndlela kaSompisi and uSompisi kaGuqa KaMasalela, and that I too should be brave. I have been emboldened to speak up and tell my truth like the other brave men and women who have spoken up against injustices. I also urge all those who are witnesses and those who know the truth to be brave and come forward. However powerful and well connected individuals may be, no one is above the law. We remain powerless for as long as we keep quiet. I have chosen to speak up and seek justice and risk whatever public backlash and scrutiny I might have to face because I refuse to continue living my life in fear, as well as for the safety of children in my family.
Thulisile Phungula
