Mahlangu suspended from UK college
FORMER Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu is running out of excuses for not appearing before the Life Esidimeni arbitration.
Mahlangu claimed she could not appear before the arbitration chaired by retired deputy chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke because she was writing exams.
Now, the University of Bedfordshire has announced she has been suspended from the Global Banking School in London so she can attend the arbitration. The Global Banking School is affiliated with the University of Bedfordshire.
According to the institution, Mahlangu has been “suspended from her studies at the Global Banking School on a ‘without prejudice basis’ in the light of information relating to a tribunal in South Africa”.
Mahlangu was the MEC when psychiatric patients were moved from Life Esidimeni facilities to unregistered NGOs, where more than 140 died from hunger, dehydration and neglect. The arbitration has been trying to get hold of Mahlangu, with difficulty.
Moseneke has said the hearings will not end until Mahlangu, former head of mental health in Gauteng Dr Makgabo Manamela and former head of department Dr Barney Selebano appear before him. The trio have been subpoenaed to appear during the first week of December.
Yesterday, DA shadow health MEC Jack Bloom said: “It is imperative that she return as soon as possible to explain her actions to the relatives of the Esidimeni patients who died because of her callous action.
“It would have been intolerable for her to continue studying overseas in peace while the victims of the Esidimeni calamity cannot get closure without her testimony.”
The Life Esidimeni arbitration continues today.