Concerns about movement of Esidimeni patients were 'ignored' 19 July 2021 - 21:17 Image: ALAISTER RUSSELL The first witness into the Life Esidimeni inquest, Cassey Chambers, said her organisation, the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), was sidelined and ignored by the Gauteng department of health when they raised concerns about mental health patients being moved to ill-equipped facilities and nongovernmental organisations. In her testimony Chambers fingered officials Dr Makgabo Manamela, Dr Barney Selebano and Qedani Mahlangu as some of those who told Sadag that the termination project was under control when they showed concern. “We had various meetings and 14 formal letters where we submitted and raised our concerns in writing. We raised this over and over again. We offered our expertise, consultation and support and these were ignored,” said Chambers.