Esidimeni restitution fund too small

The R118 million set aside by the member of the executive committee (MEC) in charge of Gauteng finance, Barbara Creecy, for the relatives of those who suffered in the Life Esidimeni tragedy is inadequate, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said yesterday.

“According to the premier’s office, they have received 200 new claims, most of which have been verified as being covered by the arbitration ruling made by Justice Dikgang Moseneke,” the DA’s Jack Bloom said.

Moseneke ruled that R1 million be paid to each claimant for constitutional damages, R180 000 for emotional trauma and R20 000 for funeral expenses for those who died.

This meant R1.2 million would be paid to relatives of those who died and R1.18 million to relatives of patients who survived, he said.

“Payouts to 200 claimants would cost about R236 million, so the present allocation falls short by more than R100 million.”

The premier’s office promised all claimants would be paid by the end of the year, but this is unlikely.

“Premier David Makhura’s record is badly tarnished by the deaths of 144 mental health patients and he needs to ensure that all claims are paid before his term of office ends in May next year,” Bloom said. – ANA