Life Esidimeni Hearings Resumed Yesterday

Loading player...
A former Gauteng senior health official has told the court that the closure of Life Esidimeni facilities came as a surprise to them. On Monday, Hannah Jacobus, who is now retired, appeared before the inquiry into the tragedy where 144 mentally ill patients lost their lives in 2016. She was being cross-examined by the State's Advocate Willem Pienaar. Julia Chaskalson, Research and Advocacy Officer at SECTION27 talks to us about what to expect for the future of this case.
18 Jan 2022 1PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Lula’s election comeback and fresh protests in France

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has secured a historic fourth term, defeating Flavio Bolsonaro in a runoff election, although Bolsonaro has challenged the result. Meanwhile, French unions and protest groups are calling for further demonstrations over wages, living costs and public services after nationwide rallies. Phemelo speaks to…
26 Oct 3PM 15 min

Bronkhorstspruit water contamination cases rise to 833

The number of gastrointestinal illness cases linked to contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit has risen to 833, including 328 children, with three residents currently in hospital. The Department of Water and Sanitation says inadequate chlorination by the City of Tshwane contributed to the crisis, while officials report no deaths. Phemelo speaks…
26 Oct 3PM 18 min

City Power’s substation tour offers fresh insight into Joburg outages

Johannesburg property owners have gained a closer look at the theft, vandalism and ageing equipment behind prolonged power outages in the inner city. Following a tour of City Power’s Central Substation, Johannesburg Property Owners and Managers Association CEO Mpho Rivers said she was impressed by the engineering team’s expertise and…
22 Oct 2PM 6 min

SAPS outlines five priorities to tackle festive season crime

The South African Police Service has launched its 2026/2027 Safer Festive Season Operations, focusing on organised crime, gender-based violence and femicide, human trafficking and other threats to public safety. Police say the operation demonstrates their readiness to protect communities during the busy festive period. Phemelo speaks to Portfolio Committee on…
22 Oct 2PM 11 min

Week in Review: Budget pressures, Tshwane water crisis and Mbeki’s testimony

Phemelo is joined by Kaya News reporter Katleho Sekhotho to unpack the week’s top stories, including the 2026 Medium-Term Budget, calls for accountability over contaminated water in Bronkhorstspruit, former president Thabo Mbeki’s testimony before the TRC Cases Inquiry, and CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour’s departure after 43 years with the network.
22 Oct 2PM 18 min