THE Life Esidimeni Inquest heard that the Gauteng Department of Health spent less money on Life Esidimeni facilities.
This testimony comes despite previous testimonies, including from department officials, that mental health patients were moved from Life Esidimeni facilities to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to save costs, among other challenges.
The Life Esidimeni Group had been running the contract with the department for a long time when they were given notice that the contract would be terminated.
Today, 21 November, the Gauteng Department of Mental Health directorate, Dr Makgabo Manamela, returned to the witness stand.
Manamela’s evidence was led by her attorney, Advocate Russel Sibara.
According to Manamela, Life Esidimeni, which had four facilities, was operating below the marginal cost.
Manamela said the department and Life Esidimeni had quarterly reports before the transfer of patients.
Sibara asked whether Life Esidimeni was getting more money.
Manamela said: “I am not an expert, but according to my observations, the money spent in Life Esidimeni was much better.”
Manamela was referring to the transferral of Life Esidimeni mental patients to NGOs, including state psychiatric hospitals.
In her previous testimonies before the inquest, Manamela said the former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu put pressure on them to transfer patients.
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In addition, Manamela said that they were threatened to leave the department.
Mahlangu received an unqualified report for the 2015/16 financial year.
Manamela said she never saw the records of the unqualified report, but acknowledged that the department was placed under administration.
