Condolences to Life Esidimeni families

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Pretoria - Cabinet has joined President Jacob Zuma in extending condolences to the families and friends of mentally ill patients who died in Gauteng between March and December 2016.

Cabinet released a statement on Thursday, commending Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi for appointing the Health Ombudsman, Professor Malegapuru Magoba, to investigate all wrong doings committed by health institutions and health practitioners.

Life Esidimeni was contracted to the Gauteng government for nearly four decades.  However, around 1 900 patients were moved from Life Esidimeni under the Gauteng Mental Health Marathon Project. This project has since been de-established following the recommendations of the Ombusdman.

Dubbed "No Guns: 94+ Silent Deaths and Still Counting," the report revealed that 94 mentally ill patients died after being removed from Life Healthcare Esidimeni to 27 NGOs.

The report found that all the 27 NGOs to which the patients were transferred operated under invalid licenses and all patients who died there, died under unlawful circumstances.

The provincial government said a government task team has commenced work in preparation for the relocation of mental health patients currently being cared for at various NGOs.

Cabinet said the action taken by Gauteng Premier David Makhura, based on the report of the Health Ombudsman, is also welcomed.

Cabinet called on Premier Makhura to ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken against all who may have conducted themselves improperly or negligently.

“Government, and society at large, has a responsibility to protect and care for the vulnerable.”

Disorderly behaviour in Parliament

Cabinet has raised concern about the disorderly behaviour displayed at the opening of Parliament and said such behaviour does not only infringe on the rights of others in Parliament, but on the rights of all South Africans.

“Parliament is one of South Africa’s founding democratic institutions, established by the Constitution, to uphold the Bill of Rights and account to the people of South Africa-- all of whom have entrusted us with the responsibility of leading them towards a better life.

“Members of Parliament, as representatives of the people must put the interests of all South Africans first and reassert the role of this important institution.” - SAnews.gov.za