PDA Foundations: Ethical Reporting in South Africa
This course introduces all staff to the Protected Disclosures Act No. 26 of 2000 (as amended), explaining what whistleblowing is, how to report wrongdoing safely and legally, and what protections apply to employees who speak up in good faith.
Ethical workplaces depend on people having the confidence to speak up when something is wrong. In South Africa, the Protected Disclosures Act (PDA) No. 26 of 2000, as amended by the Protected Disclosures Amendment Act No. 5 of 2017, provides a clear legal framework that protects employees who report improper conduct in good faith. Understanding this framework is not just a legal obligation — it is a cornerstone of a healthy organisational culture built on integrity, accountability and trust.
This course has been designed for all staff across South African organisations, regardless of role or seniority. It covers the key provisions of the PDA, including who qualifies for protection, what types of disclosures are protected, how to make a disclosure properly, and what recourse is available if an employee suffers occupational detriment as a result of speaking up. By completing this course, you will be equipped to recognise wrongdoing, understand your rights and responsibilities, and contribute to a culture of ethical reporting.
This is the foundational course in a two-part series developed for South African organisations. It is intended for all employees and provides the essential knowledge every staff member needs. A companion course provides deeper guidance for managers, compliance officers and those responsible for receiving and handling disclosures. Together, the two courses support organisations in meeting their legal obligations and embedding a genuine speak-up culture.
Course content
1. Module 1: Understanding Whistleblowing and Why It Matters
- What Is Whistleblowing?
- The Cost of Silence: Why Speaking Up Matters
2. Module 2: The Protected Disclosures Act — Legal Framework
- Overview of the PDA: Purpose, Scope and Key Definitions
- What Can Be Reported: Improper Conduct Under the PDA
3. Module 3: Making a Protected Disclosure — Channels and Procedures
- Internal and External Reporting Channels
- How to Make a Disclosure: Practical Steps
4. Module 4: Protection Under the PDA — Rights and Remedies
- Occupational Detriment: What It Is and How the Law Protects You
- Limits of Protection and Employee Responsibilities
5. Module 5: Organisational Obligations and Governance
- Employer Obligations Under the PDA
- Anti-Retaliation: Organisational and Individual Responsibilities
6. Module 6: Applying Your Knowledge — Scenarios and Key Takeaways
- Recognising and Responding to Improper Conduct: Practical Scenarios
- Summary and Commitments: Building an Ethical Workplace
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 13 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $345.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.