I welcome the court decision to dismiss with costs the application by suspended Gauteng Head of Department Dr Barney Selebano to avoid appearing before the Esidimeni arbitration hearings.

He may well fear that by telling the truth he will incriminate himself but he needs to account for his actions before the relatives of those who died because of decisions in which he was complicit.

He has been paid about R1 million since he was suspended with pay in February this year and the Gauteng Health Department's disciplinary process against him should proceed forthwith as well.

The delaying tactics by senior officials and former Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu do not reflect well on them as they should be anxious to atone and apologize for what they have done.

The court's decision is a clear signal that justice requires the full and truthful testimony of all implicated persons without delay.

 

Issued by DA