In Conversation With Dr Jack Bloom MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health
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Nearly five years after the murder of whistleblower Babita Deokaran, questions remain about accountability, justice and the state’s commitment to protecting those who expose corruption. Deokaran played a pivotal role in uncovering irregularities linked to procurement at Tembisa Hospital, helping expose allegations of large-scale looting of public funds.
In November 2025, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature unanimously adopted a motion calling on the Gauteng Department of Health to consult with Deokaran’s family and identify an appropriate way to honour her legacy. Possible measures included naming a facility after her or establishing an award recognising ethical public service. The Department was required to report back within six months, but according to the Democratic Alliance and Deokaran’s family, that deadline has passed without any engagement or progress.
The matter has reignited debate about how South Africa treats whistleblowers, whether government institutions are serious about accountability, and what message is sent when individuals who expose corruption are celebrated in speeches but allegedly forgotten in practice.
In November 2025, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature unanimously adopted a motion calling on the Gauteng Department of Health to consult with Deokaran’s family and identify an appropriate way to honour her legacy. Possible measures included naming a facility after her or establishing an award recognising ethical public service. The Department was required to report back within six months, but according to the Democratic Alliance and Deokaran’s family, that deadline has passed without any engagement or progress.
The matter has reignited debate about how South Africa treats whistleblowers, whether government institutions are serious about accountability, and what message is sent when individuals who expose corruption are celebrated in speeches but allegedly forgotten in practice.
