Life Esidimeni Portraits of Memory: We Must Never Forget

Health

The lives of the 144 Life Esidimeni patients who died in care matter. Their stories matter. Care for mental health care patients in public care remain hopelessly inadequate. South Africa must never forget.

26 October 2021
Life Esidimeni Portrait Photographs

The Life Esidimeni Online Memorial and Advocacy Project is a partnership between the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Section27, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) and the Life Esidimeni Family Committee. It pays tribute to the people who lost loved ones in the tragedy and puts a spotlight on the crisis of mental healthcare delivery in South Africa.

Joseph Gumede loved to draw and listen to old jazz music on the radio.Ntombifuthi, his younger sister, says: “He loved to draw Mandela. Joseph said there was nothing we couldn’t do when Mandela was leading us.”
Joseph Gumede loved to draw and listen to old jazz music on the radio.Ntombifuthi, his younger sister, says: “He loved to draw Mandela. Joseph said there was nothing we couldn’t do when Mandela was leading us.”

“Handsome as always”

Sizwe Hlatshwayo is remembered by his mother Jabulile as being happiest when he could dance and sing. “When the drums started to beat, he would get up and dance.”
Sizwe Hlatshwayo is remembered by his mother Jabulile as being happiest when he could dance and sing. “When the drums started to beat, he would get up and dance.”

“I still don’t know how my son died.”

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26 October 2021

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