Esidimeni families paid compensation

THE Gauteng Department of Health has begun disbursing R159million in compensation to the 134 families stricken by the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

The payment is in compliance with a ruling after an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process chaired by retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke.

Moseneke ordered the government to pay financial compensation to the claimants who were part of the process, representing the families affected by the tragedy.

The payment comes a day before today’s deadline set by Moseneke three months ago.

In March, Moseneke awarded the survivors and families of those who had died R1 million in constitutional damages, and R200 000 in damages for emotional suffering and funeral expenses. More than 140 psychiatric patients died after the Gauteng Health Department moved about 1 700 of them from the Life Esidimeni facility to unregistered NGOs.

“The Office of the Premier paid R159 460 000 to the 134 claimants involved in the ADR process.

“All payments were concluded by June 13, before the June 19 deadline set by Justice Moseneke,” said Premier David Makhura’s office.

The Health Ombud, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, recommended the ADR process following his investigation into the circumstances that led to the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

“The government will continue to implement measures in compliance with the Health Ombud’s recommendations and Justice Moseneke’s award,” the premier’s office said.