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The Story

“A timely portrait of a public servant who uses her office for good at a pivotal moment in South African politics.” — Hot Docs jury

Presenting an absorbing and dramatic portrait of an inspirational woman, Whispering Truth to Power documents the final year in office of South Africa’s Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, as she attempts to bring justice to ordinary South Africans. As Public Protector, Madonsela is tasked with holding the government to account, and soon after taking office she is pitted against South Africa’s President, Jacob Zuma. Accused of massive illegal public spending on his private home, Zuma denies the charges, launching a frenetic and tense final year in office for Madonsela who races to complete her investigation while fending off protests, legal challenges, and death threats.