The project leader in the Life Esidimeni, Levy Mosenogi, conceded that an “additional burden” was placed on his shoulders as there was limited time to complete the marathon project.
Mosenogi was giving evidence under cross-examination at the ongoing inquest being held virtually to determine whether anyone who was involved in the tragic death of 144 patients after being hastily moved to ill-equipped NGOs should be held criminally liable.
Mosenogi yielded under cross-examination during his third day that being the project leader of the project as well as maintaining his role as the Gauteng Health Department chief director of planning, policy and research had a negative impact on his duties.
He testified that it was caused by the short time required to have the Life Esidimeni contract terminated. He said he asked for the extension for six to 12 months to be considered by the former MEC Qedani Mahlangu but this was denied.
Mosenogi also said he had also assessed the risks involved and had recommended the project should be done in phases.
Mosenogi, who said his brother was also a patient at Baneng Care Centre, was well aware of the risks involved.
“I had a sibling in the same situation as the Baneng people, that is what made me sensitive,” said Mosenogi, who was expected to continue his testimony today.
Mosenogi said he was under pressure to transfer patients to unlicensed NGOs and being a project leader of such a huge task placed “additional burden” as he had other managerial responsibilities.
Asked if the time he spent as a project manager was limited, he responded: “I did more work at the time as the project had a short term project to be completed.”
Pressed further if it had an additional load on his shoulders, he responded: “yes.”
Mosenogi managed the marathon project that saw almost 2,000 patients moved from Life Esidimeni facilities to ill-equipped and under-funded NGOs.
He admitted that moving patients was not the right decision and that the project was rushed.
Earlier in the week Mosenogi, who broke down during his testimony, said the people who could have stopped the project were former MEC Mahlangu and her executive team.
Judge Mmonoa Teffo, sitting in Pretoria High Court, is expected to compile a report confirming the identity of each of the 140 patients who died following the rushed transfer, determine the date of each of their deaths, and finally make findings on the legal causes of death for each of the deceased.
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