Thabo Bodibe
Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced that the Gauteng Provincial Government prioritises refurbishing healthcare facilities to improve mental healthcare services and infrastructure across the province. 
This decision follows the Life Esidimeni inquest judgment handed down by Judge Mmonoa Teffo in the Pretoria High Court on 10 July 2024. 
Premier Lesufi has accepted the judgment on the Life Esidimeni inquest, marking the closure of a challenging chapter for the affected families.
The judgment follows a lengthy arbitration process led by retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, established in 2018. 
The provincial government has implemented measures to ensure the rights of mental healthcare users are safeguarded and promoted at all times. "Several facilities to date have been refurbished and opened to ensure enough acute mental health beds in hospitals and to increase mental health resources, including specialised professionals and rehabilitation services," said Premier Lesufi. 
"These facilities include Bertha Gxowa, South Rand, Tshwane District, Tembisa, Edenvale, Dr George Mukhari, and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospitals. The newly opened Kopanong Gateway Specialised Mental Health Day Clinic offers free services for mental health patients." To date, the Life Esidimeni claimants have been paid R159,460,000 within the stipulated time by Justice Moseneke in the report of his findings. Premier Lesufi expressed confidence that the National Prosecuting Authority will advance the judgment. 
"The provincial government sympathises with the affected families in the Life Esidimeni inquest, recognising the importance of families finding closure and accountability," concluded Premier Lesufi.