The courage of Babita Deokaran: Upholding human rights in South Africa

On National Women's Day, South Africa honors the bravery of whistleblowers such as Babita Deokaran, who gave their lives for justice and integrity. Activist Nora Saneka from the Active Citizens Movement calls for urgent reforms to safeguard those who expose corruption and uphold the rule of law. Dr. Saneka urges the nation to value those who have risked their lives against unjust power for the cause of human rights and moral goodness.

The 1956 march to Pretoria exemplified the extraordinary courage of South African women. Babita Deokaran's death in July 2021 was used as an example of the "Shadow State" attempting to undermine the rule of law and blackmail the government to keep former President Jacob Zuma out of jail. This led to looting of large corporations and targeting of whistleblowers, prosecutors, and advocates.

To honor Babita Deokaran and other whistleblowers, the ACM urges the creation of a National Whistleblower Day on August 23, the anniversary of her death. They also call for the implementation of the Whistleblower Protection Framework and the Whistleblower Protections Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which was proposed in 2023.

The South African government must act swiftly to introduce comprehensive safeguards for whistleblowers and effective witness protection, as their rights to life, security, privacy, and freedom of expression are frequently violated.