The DA in Gauteng has called the province’s Health Department disrespectful after it ignored a legislature motion requiring it to report within six months on plans to honour slain whistle-blower Babita Deokaran, reports EWN.
The deadline for the report-back passed last week – 25 May – with Deokaran’s family saying it had not been consulted, despite commitments made by the department.
The party said it would be asking the Speaker of the Gauteng legislature to censure the department’s leadership, while continuing to push for a memorial that reflects the wishes of Deokaran’s family.
DA health spokesman Jack Bloom said failure to act shows disrespect for Deokaran’s role in exposing the looting of more than R2bn from Tembisa Hospital.
“I think it highlights the fact that she was abused by the department when she was working for them. They disregarded her call for a proper investigation into the hospital and now they’re disregarding her legacy in the department.”
Deokaran, who was shot and killed on 23 August 2021 outside her home in Winchester Hills, Johannesburg, had exposed the fraudulent transactions at Tembisa Hospital and prompted the subsequent investigation into the massive fraud at the facility.
EWN article – DA accuses Gauteng health of failing to honour Babita Deokaranm (Restricted access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Helen Suzman Foundation pays tribute to Babita Deokaran
Gauteng health boss ignored Deokaran’s plea for probe, claims acting HoD
Speculation of Gauteng ‘Mafia’ link to murder of Babita Deokaran