Guest: Dr Ugljesa Radulovic is a senior postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Sociology at the University of Johannesburg.

In South Africa, the plight of whistle-blowers often gains attention only after tragedy strikes, transforming their names into symbols of resistance and sacrifice. Babita Deokaran, gunned down in 2021, stands as a stark example of this grim reality. Her death, alongside those of others like Jimmy Mohlala and Moss Phakoe, highlights a troubling pattern where whistle-blowers are mourned posthumously rather than supported during their battles against corruption. This phenomenon echoes the narrative of Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club, where resistance and rebellion are only recognized through profound loss. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from civil society, media, and the public to ensure whistle-blowers receive the recognition and protection they deserve while still alive.