Life Esidimeni

A QUICK RECAP:

  • Initiated in 2015, the Gauteng Department of Health terminated its contract with Life Esidimeni, transferring over 1,400 mental health patients to various NGOs as a cost-saving measure.
  • The transfer led to the deaths of 144 patients, caused by neglect and poor living conditions including malnutrition and dehydration.
  • An arbitration led by Justice Dikgang Moseneke found several government officials, including the former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu, culpable for negligence and failure in duty of care.
  • Ongoing legal battles seek accountability and justice, with continued investigations into the roles and responsibilities of involved officials.
  • For the victims’ families justice hinges on the Life Esidimeni Inquest judgment, which will be handed down on Wednesday, 10 July.

In Numbers

These infographics were produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism and Media Hack teams. Sign up for the newsletter.

Read more in Daily Maverick

Subscribe to Maverick Citizen newsletter to receive the most pressing social justice and civil society matters.

If you value the work our journalists do and want to support Daily Maverick, consider becoming a Maverick Insider.