Following the Life Esidimeni tragedy, Health Ombud directed the Minister of Health to request the SAHRC to undertake a systemic review of human rights compliance and possible violations related to mental health. In November 2017, the SAHRC held a National Investigative Hearing into the status of Mental Healthcare in South Africa pursuant to which it issued an Investigative Report. The SAHRC Investigative Report made a number of findings and recommendations relating to poor access to mental healthcare services, infrastructure challenges in mental healthcare facilities, shortage of staff, funding of mental healthcare services, stigma and discrimination against mental healthcare users and lack of functional directorates for mental health. 

The objectives of the Dialogue are to strategically engage with the North West Department of Health in order to:

• monitor and evaluate the implementation of the SAHRC’s Investigative Report.
• raise awareness and promote advocacy about the human rights of mental health care users.
• assess the adequacy of the provision of healthcare services to mental health care users in the North West Province.
• enhance cooperation in relation to the promoting and protecting the human rights of mental healthcare users.

The Dialogue is scheduled to take place as follows: 

Venue: Embassy Hall, Mahikeng

Date: 24 November 2021

Date: 10h00 to 13h00

Ends

For further information contact the SAHRC North West Provincial Manager, Mr Osmond Mngomezulu on 060 790 1476 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Adv. Oarabile Gaoraelwe on 0824045788 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.