Babita Deokaran’s courage etched into history with memorial unveiling
In preparation for the event, the Mount Edgecombe Arts and Cultural Council has launched several fundraising initiatives to help cover the costs of hosting the ceremony.
The life and legacy of anti-corruption whistleblower, Babita Deokaran, will be commemorated with the unveiling of a memorial monument at the Shri Mariammen Temple in Mount Edgecombe on Sunday, August 9, 2026, coinciding with National Women’s Day.
The ceremony, titled ‘Bringing Babita Back Home to Mt Edgecombe’, has been organised by the Deokaran family, the Mount Edgecombe Arts and Cultural Council and the Shri Mariammen Temple Society.
Proceedings will begin at 9am, with organisers expecting thousands of people from across the country to attend and pay tribute to the late public servant.
Deokaran became widely recognised for her courageous efforts to expose alleged fraud and corruption within the Gauteng Department of Health, particularly involving Tembisa Hospital.
Organisers say the memorial will celebrate her integrity, bravery, and unwavering commitment to public service, describing her as a heroine whose actions set a benchmark for civil servants across South Africa.
In preparation for the event, the Mount Edgecombe Arts and Cultural Council has launched several fundraising initiatives to help cover the costs of hosting the ceremony.
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These include the sale of Babita Deokaran memorial ribbons, available at a small fee, which symbolise the continued call for justice, as well as a crowdfunding campaign through the BackaBuddy platform.
Funds raised will be used to stage the memorial ceremony across both the Shri Mariammen Temple courtyard and the neighbouring Sipho Sethu School grounds.
Organisers have also embarked on a community awareness campaign, visiting schools, senior citizens’ clubs and various civil society organisations to extend invitations and encourage public participation.
They say the memorial is intended to be more than a commemorative event, but a lasting reminder of the sacrifices made by those who stand against corruption.
Breakfast and lunch will be served to attendees, and members of the public are invited to join the ceremony and honour Deokaran’s legacy.
For more information, you may contact Jasmen on 081-452-2880, Sean on 060-614-4808, Alan on 082-778-1440, or Ashnee on 074-229-8357.
