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Mahlangu will attend Esidimeni arbitration hearings: ANC Gauteng

Gauteng MEC for health Qedani Mahlangu raises concerns over the high number of abandoned babies PHOTO: VATHISWA RUSELO
Gauteng MEC for health Qedani Mahlangu raises concerns over the high number of abandoned babies PHOTO: VATHISWA RUSELO

The ANC in Gauteng said on Sunday former health MEC Qedani Mahlangu was best placed to answer questions about where she went to study.

The ANC in the province was responding to reports that Mahlangu was not studying at the London School of Economics as previously claimed in media reports.

Mahlangu spearheaded the project to move 1‚712 patients out of Life Esidimeni psychiatric homes into NGOs and hospitals‚ and at least 118 people died.

The ANC in Gauteng said last week that it had been in discussion with Mahlangu on her availability to appear at the alternative dispute resolution arbitration hearings led by former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.

“She indicated that she does not have any problem to appear but was not on the list of witnesses. She has made contact with the office of the Arbitrator to discuss the logistics of appearing‚” the ANC in Gauteng said last Tuesday.

It did not say she went to the London School of Economics.

On Friday‚ Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism said Mahlangu was not a registered student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

The ANC Gauteng said at the end of August‚ Mahlangu requested leave of absence from her Provincial Executive Committee responsibilities to be able to travel overseas for purposes of pursuing her post graduate studies.

On Sunday‚ the ANC Gauteng insisted Mahlangu would appear at the arbitration hearings.

“It is important to us‚ the families‚ all affected and public (that) she appears. She has assured us she will.”