The families of the Life Esidimeni victims have expressed outrage at the re-election of former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, to the ANC’s Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee.
In a statement on Tuesday the Life Esidimeni Family Committee said “Mahlangu was found to have been responsible for the Life Esidimeni tragedy, in which over 140 of the most vulnerable members of our society died.”
“It is unacceptable that in light of the overwhelming evidence concerning Mahlangu’s integrity and fitness to hold office that she has been re-elected,” the families said.
“Newly re-elected chairperson and Premier of Gauteng David Makhura explained that Mahlangu’s case has been submitted to the ANC’s integrity committee, but instead of hauling her before this Committee ahead of the Provincial Elective Conference, they now want to use that excuse in an attempt to deceive the general public,” the families said.
“Had the ANC shown serious intent to do the right thing, this process would have taken place immediately following the Life Esidimeni Arbitration Hearings which were headed by former Chief Justice, Dikgang Moseneke.”
“It would have sent a clear message that they were serious about the process itself and about dealing with corrupt officials within the Gauteng Provincial Government. We firmly believe that if someone is implicated in mismanagement and negligent or intentional decision making that leads to a tragedy on the scale of Life Esidimeni, they should not be eligible for election,” the families said.
“In allowing Mahlangu to participate in their PEC, the ANC is effectively condoning the most heinous acts perpetrated under Mahlangu’s watch. If ANC represents the people and is for the people, then how are these elections reflective of the will of the people,” the families asked.
