Babita Deokaran remembered five years after her murder
Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 9:23 a.m. | By Simphiwe Gumede The family of slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran held a memorial service in Durban on Women's Day on…
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Updated Aug. 10, 2026, 9:23 a.m. | By Simphiwe Gumede
The family of slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran held a memorial service in Durban on Women's Day on Sunday, five years after her assassination.
She was shot and killed in a hail of bullets outside her Johannesburg home after exposing corruption linked to Tembisa Hospital.
The former Phoenix resident was the acting chief financial officer at the Gauteng Health Department at the time of her murder.
Her niece, Karishma Rambally, said the memorial was an emotional moment for the family and a reminder of the values Deokaran stood for.
" I hope future generations learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult," Rambally said.
"Babita believed deeply in doing her job with honesty and protecting public resources.
"Her story shows us that one person can make a difference, and I hope her example inspires others to speak up when they see wrongdoing."
- Ntuli calls on government to protect whistleblowers -
KwaZulu Natal Premier Thami Ntuli attended the unveiling of a memorial monument in honour of Deokaran in Mount Edgecombe, where he said that government has the responsibility to safeguard the lives of whistleblowers and citizens who provide law enforcement with critical intelligence to help solve major criminal cases.
Ntuili described Deokaran as an example of strength, resilience, principle and selfless public service and said that although Deokaran paid the ultimate price for her courage, her sacrifice continues to serve as a reminder of the responsibility carried by public servants and citizens to protect the integrity of South Africa's democratic institutions.
The Premier called on citizens to honour her legacy by taking a proactive role in the fight against crime and corruption across government and society.
"We must have more Babita's who'll stand when the time is not favourable, when everyone may choose to be silent,"said Ntuli.
"At the same time, we all need to protect those who we know are maybe being victimised."
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