This week — Life Esidimeni judgment, making coalitions and GNUs work, and recentering the housing conversation

On Monday, 8 July, at 9am the Public Affairs Research Institute will host a webinar on making coalitions and governments of national unity work. 

“This webinar provides an open space for reflection on the practical implications of the government of national unity and coalition arrangements for public institutions and individuals occupying key positions. It incorporates the sharing of experiences from other countries and reflections on sustaining the pathway of professionalism within the public sector,” the organisers say.

Register here. 

On Wednesday, 10 July, judgment in the Life Esidimeni inquest will be delivered by Judge Mmonoa Teffo of the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria.

“At the inquest, SECTION27 argued that the former Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, the former Director of Mental Health Directorate, Dr Makgabo Manamela, and the owner of Precious Angels NGO should be charged with culpable homicide for their involvement in the tragic deaths of 141 mental health care users who were relocated from Life Esidimeni in 2015 and 2016. SECTION27 represented 44 mental healthcare users who died in conditions of extreme neglect, with many of them being emaciated, dehydrated and suffering from bed sores,” SECTION27 says.

“The purpose of the inquest was for the Court to determine the cause of the deaths of the 141 mental health care users who died after they were transferred from Life Esidimeni into unlicensed and ill-prepared non-governmental organisations. The court is also tasked with determining whether, on the face of it, the conduct of any individual directly caused or contributed to these deaths. Following the court’s decision, the National Prosecuting Authority will decide on whether to pursue criminal prosecution.” 

On Thursday, 11 July at 1pm, the African Centre for Cities and Ndifuna Ukwazi will host a series of webinars aimed at recentering the conversation on housing and access to land, as factors that play an integral role in the realisation of other socioeconomic rights. The speakers, drawn from academia, policy development, activism and community organisations, will share diverse perspectives and experiences. 

In “Land and Housing – The Economy and Policy Implications” Professor François Viruly will discuss the impact of housing policy on the economy, based on the idea of housing as an economic driver. This will be followed by a presentation from Alison Tshangana, which will shed light on some of the main challenges in accessing housing finance, particularly for low- and moderate-income households. Finally, Dr Suraya Scheba’s presentation will reflect on the role of occupations as an alternative housing strategy.

Register here. DM