Manamela: I am saddened by Life Esidimeni deaths
The former director of mental healthcare in Gauteng Dr Makgabo Manamela says she is saddened by the deaths of 143 mentally ill patients from Life Esidimeni.
Before testifying, Manamela's lawyer, Lerato Mashilane, brought an application to have the proceedings postponed for four weeks to allow her to prepare.
Arbitration chairperson, former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneka, rejected the application three hours into the proceedings.
Manamela was immediately asked to take the stand.
"I am saddened by all the deaths that took place in our services. And from the first day when I heard of any patient who died in the first NGO including the hospital I was devastated and I felt that pain that anyone who loses a parent or a loved one will feel," said Manamela.
Manamela was one of the people who spearheaded the project that transferred patients from Life Esidimeni to unlicensed NGO's.
She says she understands what the families of the deceased are going through.
"And I have no better words to explain the pain and the hurt. And the anger based on how things unfolded during the process that the family might. I also know it was a difficult time for the families," said Manamela.
Manamela is expected to answer tough questions after the hearings were briefly adjourned.