JOHANNESBURG – The suspended Head of Gauteng Mental Health, Dr Makgabo Manamela, says the termination of the Life Esidimeni contract was a cost-cutting measure.

One hundred and forty-three mentally disabled patients died after they were moved from the facility to NGOs.

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But an independent expert report describes the facility cost-effective.

Manamela still maintains the move was a collective decision, and she shouldn’t be made to shoulder responsibility on her own.

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