DA welcomes decision over bungling boss

The DA has welcomed the suspension of the Gauteng health department head following the deaths of 94 mentally ill patients in the province.

The opposition party’s Gauteng shadow MEC for health Jack Bloom was pleased with the suspension of Barney Selebano and the notice of intention to suspend served on mental health boss Makgabo Manamela.

Selebano was suspended on Wednesday for his part in the bungled transfer of psychiatric patients from healthcare centre Life Esidimeni to unlicensed non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Gauteng.

Former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu resigned last week, hours before health ombud Malegapuru Makgoba released a report stating that 94 people had died, instead of the 36 Mahlangu had initially claimed.

“This is a necessary step in the disciplinary process,” Bloom said.

“This will open the way for new top-level appointments that will hopefully be more professional and ethical.”

He said the newly-appointed acting head of the department, Ernet Kenoshi, faced the uphill battle of restoring morale and establishing effective management in the department.

“The priority now is finding places for all the mental health patients at unlicensed NGOs because existing psychiatric hospitals are already over-crowded,” Bloom said.

“The department should request Life Healthcare Esidimeni to re-open their facilities.

“This so the large number of patients out there can be accommodated.”