How to prevent another Life Esidimeni tragedy – experts speak out
By Suntosh R. Pillay
On the surface of the disaster caused by the Gauteng Department of Health, it seems bizarre that vulnerable people were treated with no respect for their human rights, in a country whose Constitution fiercely protects them, supported by explicit legislation on the rights of the mentally ill (the Mental Health Care Act, No. 17 of 2002). Additionally, government has an explicit national policy on mental health (the Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan), referencing the World Health Organisation’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan, both ironically right in the middle of their lifespan (2013 – 2020).