Deokaran Didn't Die in Vain

The commemoration of the death of Babita Deokaran on 23 August by family, friends and society was, for many, a poignant moment four years after her assassination.

- Sydney Majoko

Her family lamented the lack of updates from the authorities on investigations to uncover the mastermind(s) behind that, but the greater regret perhaps is the whole country's: so long after her highly publicized death, other people digging into dodgy tenders behind the looting of state funds continue to be eliminated with some kind of impunity.

The triggermen are arrested and end up doing jail time, but the masterminds remain at large.

It would be defeatist, though, for the country and her loved ones not to look at the bigger picture of what Deokaran has come to mean for the country.

At the time of her death, she was Gauteng's assistant chief director in the department of health. Her investigation into Tembisa Hospital multibillion-rand tender corruption was, for her, what her job asked of her.