In pictures: Commemorating Babita Deokaran, a tribute to a courageous whistle-blower

In commemoration of Babita Deokaran's life five years after her untimely death, a memorial monument was unveiled in her honor at the Shri Marriammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe, South Africa, on Women's Day. Deokaran, a senior finance official at the Gauteng Department of Health, exposed over R850 million in suspicious, irregular, and fraudulent transactions at Tembisa Hospital. Her revelations led to the discovery that three corruption syndicates allegedly stole R2 billion from the hospital.

Following the unveiling of the bust, Deokaran's niece, Karishma Rambally, emphasized her aunt's unwavering belief in public service and her commitment to doing what was right, even in the face of adversity. Rambally described her aunt as a brave and tenacious woman of substance.

Deokaran's family lamented the difficulty of comprehending the brutal murder that claimed her life, and questioned the safety of future whistle blowers. They urged South Africans to ensure that those who speak out against corruption do so without fear of retribution. KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli called on attendees to honor Deokaran's legacy by actively combating crime and corruption in government and society, and to protect those who assist in bringing down crime syndicates.