The Gauteng Provincial Legislature has heard a powerful motion from the Democratic Alliance (DA) calling for a formal tribute and permanent honour for slain whistleblower Babita Deokaran, whose assassination in 2021 exposed deep-rooted corruption within the provincial health system.
The motion, led by Dr Jack Bloom MPL, the DA’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, pays tribute to Deokaran’s legacy and calls for a meaningful commemoration in consultation with her family. Although her relatives could not attend the sitting, they watched the proceedings live online.
Bloom described Deokaran as a devoted public servant whose integrity defined her 30-year career in government. Her family has also spoken of her commitment to education, ethics, and service — qualities that have elevated her to a national symbol of courage against corruption.
However, Bloom pointed to a troubling history that preceded her murder — including being sidelined, suspended on false allegations, and left unprotected despite reporting suspicious transactions at Tembisa Hospital. Just days before she was gunned down, Deokaran warned internally that lives could be in danger.
The DA says her death could have been covered up if not for investigative journalism, alleging failures by law enforcement and the Gauteng Department of Health to act on evidence in her possession.
Bloom argued that the real tribute to Deokaran should be the transformation of the health department into one where integrity, accountability, and competence are non-negotiable. He questioned whether such values are currently embedded in the system, particularly in light of suspended officials being allowed to resign with benefits.
What the motion calls for:
✅ A formal tribute from the Legislature
✅ Consultation with Deokaran’s family on an appropriate honour
✅ Options including a bursary, facility name, service award or departmental title
✅ A six-month deadline for a progress report
The motion notes Deokaran as a national example of ethical public service and highlights her empathy for vulnerable mental health patients — especially those affected by the Life Esidimeni tragedy.
Her family has insisted that anything bearing her name must uphold honesty, integrity and public duty — the very values she died defending.
The motion was proposed by Dr Jack Bloom MPL and seconded by Sergio Dos Santos MPL.
