Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu has resigned amid the release of the Health Ombud’s report on the death of 94 mentally ill patients after they were moved from Life Healthcare’s Esidimeni private home to 27 unsilenced NGOs.
The Gauteng Department of Health sited cost-cutting measures as the reason for moving the patients and cancelling its contract with Esidimeni.
The Health Ombudsman, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, had recommended that Gauteng Premier David Makhura consider the suitability of Mahlangu to continue in her current role as MEC of Health.
Makhura has now appointed Dr Gwen Ramokgopa, who saw serving as Deputy Health Minister, as the new MEC of Health.