Callous and repugnant

Dr Makgabo Manamela’s awkward articulation in the Esidemeni hearing before Judge Dikgang Moseneke is testament to her impotence as Gauteng’s former director of mental health.

Her denials, coupled with her admission that the nongovernmental organisations to which she gave authority did not comply with legal requirements, is indicative of her lack of remorse.

Moreover, her assertion that she felt prejudiced is not only callous and repugnant but is clear evidence that she has not grasped the gravity of the circumstances that led to the deaths of 143 patients.

I find it difficult to comprehend that Manamela is in fact a qualified medical practitioner and also a registered psychiatric nurse. Does she even recall something called the Hippocratic Oath?

Her refusal to accept responsibility for the deaths of patients under her department’s care is also reminiscent of ANC and government denial of the economic mess it has created in this country. In most countries, Manamela would have been charged with culpable homicide.

Nathan Cheiman Northcliff