Kaya 959 Point of View with Phemelo Motene

NPA moves to prosecute over Life Esidimeni tragedy

Loading player...
More than a decade after the deaths of at least 141 psychiatric patients, there may finally be accountability in the Life Esidimeni tragedy. The National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed it will pursue charges, including culpable homicide, following a 2024 inquest that found former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and mental health director Makgabo Manamela liable for some of the deaths. The patients died between 2015 and 2016 after being moved from Life Esidimeni facilities to unlicensed NGOs as part of a cost-cutting exercise, many left without adequate care, food or medication. Phemelo speaks to SECTION27’s Tendai Mafuma and Life Esidimeni Family Committee spokesperson Christine Nxumalo about what this long-awaited step toward justice means for families.
13 Apr 4PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

ACCES 2026 connects African music to global markets

ACCES 2026 brings more than 700 music industry professionals from over 45 countries to Johannesburg from 28 to 31 October, creating opportunities for artists to build international audiences and connect with global markets. Phemelo is joined in studio by Your Weekly Touch Up co-founder ByLwansta and Star FM Head of…
28 Oct 3PM 25 min

DA’s Tyrone Gray targets Mogale City mayoral seat

DA Mogale City mayoral candidate Tyrone Gray joins Phemelo to discuss his candidacy and plans for the municipality ahead of the local government elections. His priorities include tackling corruption, improving law enforcement coordination, attracting investment, using infrastructure to strengthen service delivery and putting residents at the centre of local government.
28 Oct 2PM 34 min

Oliver and Adelaide Tambo memorial lecture

Phemelo speaks to Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation CEO Natasha Allie about the 2026 Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture theme, The Mirror, Map and Compass, and how self-awareness, ethical leadership and strategic vision can guide governance, accountability and nation-building in uncertain times.
27 Oct 3PM 7 min

SAMWU vows to continue protest over R5.4bn in City of Joburg benefits

The South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) says it will continue its fight for outstanding employee benefits linked to a 2016 agreement with the City of Johannesburg. The dispute escalated on Monday when protests disrupted parts of the city, including the M1 highway, and several union members were arrested. SAMWU…
27 Oct 3PM 17 min

Israel votes in closely contested election

Israelis are voting in a pivotal election, with record turnout reported and neither major political bloc projected to secure the 61 seats needed to form a majority government. The contest is widely viewed as a referendum on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, with security and democracy central to the campaign…
27 Oct 3PM 21 min
All episodes