The life of whistle-blower Babita Deokaran continues to inspire South Africans nearly five years after her assassination, as a community-led campaign aims to immortalise her courage with a permanent monument while encouraging a new generation of public servants to choose integrity over corruption.
The “Honouring a Hero – Babita Deokaran” BackaBuddy campaign is raising funds to unveil the monument on Women’s Day, August 9, at the historic Shri Mariammen Temple Heritage Site.
Organisers hope to raise R250,000 to cover the costs of hosting what is expected to be the largest memorial event ever staged at the temple, with around 3,000 guests anticipated.
However, campaign organisers say donations have been slow, with only a small portion of the target raised so far.
Deokaran, the former Chief Director of Financial Accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health, was gunned down outside her Johannesburg home on August 23, 2021, shortly after assisting investigators probing alleged corruption involving personal protective equipment and procurement at Tembisa Hospital.
Several men have since been convicted for carrying out the murder, while investigations into those accused of orchestrating the killing have continued, making her death one of South Africa’s most powerful symbols of the dangers faced by whistle-blowers.
For Seelan Archary, chairperson of the Shri Mariammen Temple Society, honouring Deokaran is about far more than remembering one woman. It is about preserving the values that keep democracy alive.
“We are inspired by the fact that we could have a member of the South African community that would do her work with honesty, integrity and dedication. That is the type of civil servant we are looking for.”
He said the temple and the Mount Edgecombe Arts and Cultural Council have spent years recognising men and women who sacrificed for justice, including child freedom fighter Valliamma Munuswamy Mudaliar.
The Mount Edgecombe Arts and Cultural Council have spent years recognising men and women who sacrificed for justice, including child freedom fighter Valliamma Munuswamy Mudaliar and anti-apartheid activist Goonam Naidoo.
Deokaran’s monument will become the seventh or eighth memorial erected at the heritage site.
“We get a chance to honour the life and celebrate the life of Babita Deokaran. We are inspired by her courage and by the example she set for every South African.”
He said the monument is intended to challenge those who enter public service to remember why they accepted the responsibility in the first place.
“This monument will remind those who come after us that this is the type of civil servant we need in our public service.”
Archary stressed that Deokaran was not the only person to risk everything by exposing corruption. Many whistle-blowers have paid with their lives, while others continue to live under immense pressure.
Former KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health legal head and whistle-blower Kantha Padayachee is expected to share her own experiences during the Women’s Day event.
“There are many brave souls out there. Some have paid a heavy price by being assassinated and there are some still alive to tell the story.”
Archary believes Deokaran’s story carries a simple but powerful lesson for every South African entrusted with public money.
“Do your work diligently. You get paid a salary, live within those means and provide for yourself and your family. There is no need to enrich yourselves at the expense of South Africans, especially the poor.”
He also argued that restoring public confidence requires decisive action against corruption, including lifestyle audits and greater accountability across government, while praising Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for his commitment to exposing wrongdoing.
“The government of South Africa needs to earn the trust of its citizens. That’s the lesson that must be learned if this country is to prosper.”
BackaBuddy’s mission to create a lasting tribute to Babita Deokaran’s courage.
The organisers say staging the event comes with significant costs.
The temple courtyard can accommodate only about 400 people, requiring a large marquee on adjacent school grounds, digital screens, sound equipment, seating, security and other infrastructure to allow thousands of attendees to participate simultaneously.
If the campaign exceeds its fundraising target, Archary said the remaining money will not go unused.
Instead, organisers hope to establish a bursary fund to assist matriculants who cannot afford to continue to university, ensuring that Deokaran’s legacy continues to create opportunities long after the monument is unveiled.
Among those expected to attend the ceremony are KZN Premier Thami Ntuli, Deputy Minister Narend Singh, Karishma Rambally, Tony Haripersadh, Alie Gule, Nora Sineka, Indian Consul General Niteen Subash Yeola and KZN MEC for Public Works Martin Meyer.
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