DESPITE many Life Esidimeni mental patients’ deaths as a result of hunger, dehydration, and negligence, Dr Makgabo Manamela said it was the NGOs’ responsibility to make an effort when experiencing shortages of food, medication and clothing.
The former head of mental health in Gauteng signed a licence for an NGO where mental health patients would be transferred, although there was no service agreement in place to ensure the NGO got funds from the health department.