KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, has called for greater protection of whistleblowers and citizens who assist law enforcement agencies and the state with critical information in the fight against crime and corruption.
Premier Ntuli made the call during the unveiling of a memorial bust in honour of the late Babita Deokaran on Sunday, 09 August 2026.
Deokaran, who served as a senior official in the Gauteng Department of Health, was killed outside her home on 23 August 2021 after flagging suspicious, irregular and fraudulent transactions at Tembisa Hospital estimated to be worth more than R850 million.
Premier Ntuli said government has a responsibility to safeguard the lives of whistleblowers and citizens who provide critical intelligence and information that, in many instances, becomes the missing piece required to solve major criminal cases.
Reflecting on Deokaran’s courage during the commemoration of Women’s Day, Premier Ntuli drew parallels between her bravery and that of the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 in protest against the oppressive pass laws.
“When confronted with corruption and the plunder of public resources meant for the vulnerable, Babita did not look away. She did not remain silent. She raised her voice and took a stand,” said Premier Ntuli.
“Her courage cost her her life, but it did not defeat her spirit. Her sacrifice reminded us all of the profound duty we carry as public servants and citizens to guard...
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