Life Esidimeni families receive compensation

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"The Office of the Premier paid a total sum of R159.46 million to all the 134 claimants who were part of the alternative dispute resolution process,” said the Office of Gauteng Premier David Makhura.

The payments were concluded by 13 June 2018‚ ahead of the deadline of 19 June 2018 set by Justice Moseneke.

In 2016, former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu as leader of the project ordered that mental healthcare users who were based at the Life Esidimeni healthcare facility be moved to cut costs.

The contract between the mental health care facility, Life Esidimeni and the Health Department, had been in place for over 30 years.

Following a dispute resolution led by Arbitrator and Retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, an order was made by the Justice for government to compensate the families of the victims who died in the tragedy.

Justice Moseneke ordered that a total of R1 million be paid to the victims for constitutional damages for the violation of their human rights.

In addition, the Justice made an order for compensation of R200,000 divided as, R20,000 for funeral expenses while R180,000 was for the shock and trauma endured by the families.

During the delivery of his judgment, Justice Moseneke said the marathon project was inhumane and stripped victims of their dignity.

Moseneke also ordered that a remembrance monument be erected at a public place to remind future generations of the importance of the case and of the plight of mental healthcare users.

The Premier’s office said it would continue to comply with the recommendations as set out in the Health Ombud’s report and the findings by Justice Moseneke.

“The Gauteng Provincial government will, under the leadership of the Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi and Premier David Makhura, continue to implement measures in compliance with the Health Ombud’s recommendations and Justice Moseneke’s award,” said the Premier’s Office.