ActionSA
ActionSA has proposed new legislation to protect and incentivise whistleblowers on the anniversary of Babita Deokaran’s murder, with party leader Herman Mashaba announcing a private members’ bill to strengthen the fight against corruption while commemorating the slain health official who exposed graft at Tembisa Hospital.
ActionSA Honours Deokaran with Bold Legislative Push
On the fourth anniversary of Babita Deokaran’s tragic assassination, ActionSA has renewed its commitment to justice by announcing plans to introduce new legislation aimed at safeguarding those who expose corruption. Party president Herman Mashaba made the declaration on 23 August 2025, emphasising the urgent need for better protections in a country plagued by graft. “Today, ActionSA remembers the tragic murder of Babita Deokaran, who on this day in 2021 was brutally assassinated for exposing the cancerous corruption that pillaged critical public resources in Gauteng, making the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against corruption,” Mashaba said. [0] [18]
Mashaba highlighted Deokaran’s bravery as a stark reminder of the risks whistleblowers face. “Deokaran’s death represents the justice system’s failure to protect brave South Africans who are heartfelt with corruption,” he added. “Whistleblowers must be protected at all costs.” The party, now with seats in Parliament following recent elections, pledged in 2021 to pursue stronger safeguards, and Mashaba confirmed they are now “hard at work” on a private members’ bill. [0]
“ActionSA is proud to announce that we are hard at work on formally introducing a private members’ bill that will not only strengthen the fight against corruption, but more importantly, ensure greater protection and incentivisation for whistleblowers who risk everything to expose criminality,” Mashaba stated. The proposed law seeks to address gaps in current frameworks like the Protected Disclosures Act, offering incentives such as financial rewards and enhanced security measures to encourage more people to come forward without fear.
This move builds on ActionSA’s earlier efforts, including a 2021 corruption-busting blueprint launched in Deokaran’s honour, which called for dedicated whistleblower protection units and harsher penalties for those who target them. Mashaba urged law enforcement to redouble efforts, noting that while hitmen have been jailed, the masterminds behind Deokaran’s killing remain free, undermining public trust in the system.
Babita Deokaran: The Whistleblower Who Paid the Ultimate Price
Babita Deokaran, a 43-year-old senior manager and acting chief director of financial accounting at the Gauteng Department of Health, became a symbol of courage in the battle against corruption. In August 2021, she flagged irregular payments exceeding R850 million linked to dubious tenders at Tembisa Hospital in Ekurhuleni, involving overpriced supplies like gloves, sanitisers, and even unrelated items such as leather lounge suites and 200 doors at inflated costs. These were part of a broader scandal tied to COVID-19 procurement fraud, where syndicates siphoned public funds meant for healthcare.
Just weeks after her reports, on 23 August 2021, Deokaran was gunned down in a hail of bullets outside her home in Winchester Hills, Mondeor, south of Johannesburg. Hitmen in a white Toyota Etios pulled up as she arrived from dropping her daughter at school, firing multiple shots through her car window. She died at the scene, leaving behind a devastated family, including her young daughter and partner.
Investigations revealed she had been probing suspicious contracts awarded to companies with ties to influential figures, including payments released even after her death. Deokaran’s actions exposed a web of graft that deprived hospitals of essential resources during the pandemic, highlighting how corruption costs lives.
Investigation Updates: Hitmen Jailed, But Masterminds Elude Capture
Four years on, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has uncovered more than four syndicates operating at Tembisa Hospital, involving tender fraud and money laundering. The SIU finalised its probe in early August 2025, referring evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for potential charges against officials and suppliers. However, the masterminds behind Deokaran’s murder remain at large, despite six hitmen—Phakamani Hadebe, Zitha Radebe, Nhlangano Ndlovu, Siphakanyiswa Dladla, Sanele Mbhele, and Siphiwe Mazibuko—pleading guilty and receiving sentences ranging from six to 22 years in prison in 2023.
The men were convicted based on cellphone records, vehicle tracking, and confessions, but they have not disclosed who hired them, fuelling suspicions of a cover-up. The Hawks and SAPS have faced criticism for slow progress, with calls from civil society for a dedicated task force. In a recent development, the SIU’s findings include referrals for blacklisting companies and recovering funds, but no arrests of high-level figures yet.
Family’s Heartfelt Plea for Justice and Legacy
Deokaran’s family continues to grapple with grief, demanding the arrest of those who orchestrated the hit. Her brother, Rakesh Deokaran, urged authorities to “follow the money trail” and press the hitmen for information. “Justice will only be done when the mastermind is arrested,” he said, adding that the family plans to launch a foundation in her name to support whistleblowers and education.
Deokaran’s daughter, now in her second year studying B.Com Finance at university, is pursuing her mother’s unfulfilled dreams. The family held an annual memorial, vowing not to rest until full accountability is achieved. Zwelinzima Vavi, general secretary of the South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), echoed these calls, urging the SAPS and SIU to ensure the perpetrators face the law.
Broader Implications: A Call for Systemic Change
Deokaran’s case has sparked nationwide discussions on whistleblower safety, with proposals for a “Babita Deokaran Day” to honour her legacy and raise awareness. Experts like Corruption Watch’s David Lewis note that weak protections deter exposés, allowing corruption to thrive in sectors like health, where billions are lost annually.
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