Remembering Babita Deokaran: The fight for whistleblower protections

On National Women's Day, we remember the courageous acts of whistleblowers like Babita Deokaran, who paid the ultimate price for exposing corruption and upholding justice in South Africa. Dr. Nora Saneka, chairperson of the Active Citizens Movement (ACM), urges urgent reforms to safeguard those who dare to speak out against unjust power. In 1956, women marched to Pretoria, showcasing extraordinary courage, and today, we honor those who continue this fight.

In 2021, Babita Deokaran's death was used as a tool to undermine the rule of law and pressure the government to keep Zuma out of jail, leading to widespread looting and exploitation of the poor. This pattern of abuse and corruption has continued, with whistleblowers like Jimmy Mohlala, Martha Ngoye, Cynthia Stimpel, and Athol Williams facing similar threats. The ACN, after six years of campaigning, submitted specific legal protections for whistleblowers to be included in the Whistleblower Protection Framework Bill.

Despite President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to finalize this bill, the South African government must now take immediate action to provide comprehensive safeguards for whistleblowers and effective witness protection. The government's commitment needs to be translated into concrete actions, as whistleblowers' rights to life, security, privacy, and freedom of expression are routinely violated.

The Madlanga Commission's findings reveal the extent of corruption within law enforcement, with recent assassinations of witnesses like Van der Merwe and Phenya, highlighting the ongoing struggle for justice.