Moseneke: Esidimeni project 'had all the fingerprints of death'

The Gauteng Department of Health's director of policy and planning, Levy Mosenogi, says despite his best efforts he was unable to prevent the deaths of Life Esidimeni patients.

It is day three of the alternative dispute process which is looking into the circumstances of more than 100 deaths, which occurred after patients were transferred from Life Esidimeni to various NGOs in Gauteng last year.

Mosenogi, who was the project manager for the transfers, admitted that he and the department should have done a better job.

MEC taking action against officials over Life Esidimeni deaths

Mosenogi is one of the few people involved in the scandal, still working at the department. 

Then MEC Qedani Mahlangu resigned 24 hours before the release of the Health ombudsman's report into the project, while the Head of Department (HOD) Barney Selebano is suspended.   

SAHRC clashes with DA over Life Esidimeni complaint

Mosenogi conceded that some NGOs were given licenses to operate even though they did not have enough beds to accommodate patients.

This prompted an exasperated response from the chair of the proceedings, retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke: "Why did you choose this reckless option? The heartless option? This project had all the fingerprints of death."

Mosenogi expressed deep regret for the way in which events transpired and apologised to the victim's families.  

He blamed the tragedy on poor leadership. 

"Gauteng health has never had stable leadership, there's always instability when it comes to senior management.'

He also criticized Mahlangu, saying she did not appear to grasp the magnitude of the project. 

"I would try to call her but she was unreachable. I think people working in the department of health should have a health background. It was hard to reach the MEC at times."