Take responsibility, demands Cosatu
she responded: “It was MEC Mahlangu and Dr Selebano.”
Manamela was also in charge of issuing licences to the NGOs, but said according to her best knowledge only one NGO was operating without a licence.
Moseneke grilled Manamela on the consequences which came after she issued licences to the NGOs, many of whom were ill-equipped to care for patients and a number of them died because of starvation and severe neglect.
“How many people died at Takalani after you issued a licence,” asked Moseneke.
“I don’t know,” Manamela responded. A total of 38 patients died at Takalani.
Moseneke told Manamela that she had the power to stop the transferring of the patients.
Manamela also disputed claims from some NGO owners, who said she imposed patients on them, saying “it’s pure lies”.
The hearing continues. – ANA COSATU members protested outside Parliament in preparation for their 16 days of activism campaign that will challenge violence against women and girls.
The protest was also symbolic because they want Members of Parliament, such as former deputy minister of higher education and training, Mduduzi Manana, to take responsibility for their actions.
Manana was convicted on three counts of assault after kicking and punching three females to the ground. He was ordered to pay a R100 000 fine or face 12 months in jail after he pleaded guilty in court.
He was also ordered to do 500 hours of community service and to complete a rehabilitation programme. In addition to this, Manana has to pay the victims a total of R26 680.
Cosatu gender forum co-ordinator Lumka Tamboer described the ruling as a slap on the wrist.
“Those who are suppose to represent us in Parliament are the same ones who are perpetrators of crimes that hurt us. Justice has not properly been served,” she said.