KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, has called for greater protection of whistleblowers and citizens who assist law enforcement agencies and the state with critical information in the fight against crime and corruption.

Premier Ntuli made the call during the unveiling of a memorial bust in honour of the late Babita Deokaran on Sunday, 09 August 2026.

Deokaran, who served as a senior official in the Gauteng Department of Health, was killed outside her home on 23 August 2021 after flagging suspicious, irregular and fraudulent transactions at Tembisa Hospital estimated to be worth more than R850 million.

Premier Ntuli said government has a responsibility to safeguard the lives of whistleblowers and citizens who provide critical intelligence and information that, in many instances, becomes the missing piece required to solve major criminal cases.

Reflecting on Deokaran’s courage during the commemoration of Women’s Day, Premier Ntuli drew parallels between her bravery and that of the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings in 1956 in protest against the oppressive pass laws.

“When confronted with corruption and the plunder of public resources meant for the vulnerable, Babita did not look away. She did not remain silent. She raised her voice and took a stand,” said Premier Ntuli.

“Her courage cost her her life, but it did not defeat her spirit. Her sacrifice reminded us all of the profound duty we carry as public servants and citizens to guard the integrity of our democratic institutions. Babita exemplified the finest qualities of South African womanhood: strength, resilience, unyielding principle and selfless service.”

The Premier urged those in attendance to commemorate Women’s Day by honouring the bravery and tenacity demonstrated by Deokaran, saying her actions were reminiscent of the courage displayed by the women who marched against the pass laws 70 years ago.

He said honouring Deokaran’s legacy must extend beyond remembrance and should include proactive participation by citizens, public servants and institutions in combating crime and corruption across all sectors of government and society.

Premier Ntuli further called for stronger measures across government, law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system to ensure that individuals who come forward with information are adequately protected.

“Government, law enforcement and the entire criminal justice system need to do better. We have to protect all the brave men and women who are willing to assist to crack and prosecute major cases, thus exposing and dismantling crime syndicates,” said Premier Ntuli.

The Premier said protecting whistleblowers is essential to strengthening accountability, safeguarding public resources and building confidence in the institutions entrusted with fighting corruption and organised crime.

He reiterated that the courage demonstrated by Deokaran should inspire South Africans to reject corruption, defend the integrity of public institutions and ensure that those who expose wrongdoing are protected rather than placed at risk.

As South Africa commemorates Women’s Day, Premier Ntuli called on society to ensure that Deokaran’s sacrifice continues to inspire a collective commitment to ethical leadership, accountability and the fight against corruption.