Corruption is an issue that has plagued South Africa for a number of years now, and continues to do so, but whistleblowers wanting to highlight white collar crime often have few channels through which to reach out.

That changes today, however, as accounting specialists BDO has launched a new app platform called Tipoffs, allowing whistleblowers to expose corruption completely anonymously, according to the firm.

Along with allowing people to make a tipoff, the platform will also assist whistleblowers with support after the fact, with advise from legal experts and business consultants that are a part of BDO’s network of professionals.

As such, whistleblowers are giving the peace of mind that when they can come forward regarding white collar crime and corruption in particular, those that they care about need not worry.

With expertise in the whistleblower field already, BDO’s forensic division will ensure that all information shared remains anonymised, but will allow whistleblowers the opportunity to make their name known, if they wish.

Added to this, BDO explains that this Tippoffs app is not designed for corruption alone, with sexual harassment, toxic workplaces and bullying capable of being highlighted too. As such, BDO envisions this tool developing into a useful solution in the HR department of a business or councillor at a school.

The BDO Tipoffs app is currently available for download on iOS in the App Store, Android on the Play Store and HMS in the AppGallery soon. The company notes that a web-based version is also in the works, but no date on its release has been made yet.

As we have recently seen with Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, if the proper protections and channels are made available, more people will feel compelled to come forward.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]