In a recent report, Southern Courier/Comaro Chronicle stated that Talisman Foundation is not closing down, although the property owner, Old Apostolic Church, issued an eviction notice.

The situation arises from an eviction notice issued by the property owner to the Talisman Foundation, requiring the foundation to vacate the premises by May 14.

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) noted with concern a misleading statement issued by the DA regarding the alleged relocation of mental healthcare users from the Talisman Foundation. Also, the recent statements issued by Section27 alleging that the department’s efforts to relocate mental healthcare patients are uncoordinated, lack consultation with affected families, and are being conducted in a reckless manner.

In a statement issued by GDoH, it states that:

• No patients have been moved from the Talisman Foundation

• Consultations will be held with the families to agree on the steps to be taken regarding the matter

• The GDoH got involved when it became aware that the Talisman Foundation had received an eviction notice from the landlord (a church), who wants to sell the property

• The provincial government is working with the foundation to find a solution

“Therefore, the department assures the public that, should relocation become necessary, it will be conducted in full compliance with all legislative and clinical protocols, including consultation with patients’ families and caregivers.

“In addition to this, a structured, phased and clinically supervised process will be followed to safeguard the well-being of all mental healthcare users.”

The statement continued: “The department remains committed to transparency and will continue to engage all stakeholders appropriately throughout the process. The provincial government is finding alternative ways to assist the Talisman Foundation regarding the situation they are facing.

“The GDoH remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to provide updates as necessary. We thank all families and stakeholders for their cooperation and support during this period.”

In an interview on Newzroom Afrika on April 19, the representative of Section27, Asiphe Funda, said, among other things, that “the process is hurried and uncoordinated”.

“The department firmly rejects these claims as inaccurate and misleading. Since the outset of this process, the Department has prioritised a structured, lawful, and patient-centred approach to the relocation of mental healthcare users. This includes ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to ensure that all decisions are informed, responsible, and in the best interests of patients.

“Importantly, the department has been in active discussions with the Talisman Foundation to resolve matters relating to the affected patients. These engagements form part of a broader, coordinated effort to ensure continuity of care and to place patients in appropriate, compliant facilities.

“The department has even gone to the extent of requesting the landlord to delay the eviction of Talisman Foundation in order to create enough time for all stakeholders to resolve the situation amicably.

“Contrary to the assertions made by Section27, the Department has not acted in isolation. Mechanisms for family engagement and consultation have been implemented and continue to be strengthened to ensure that the voices and concerns of affected families are heard and addressed throughout the process.

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“The claim that the department is acting recklessly or rushing relocations is unfounded. All actions undertaken are guided by clinical assessments, regulatory requirements, and the imperative to safeguard the well-being and dignity of mental healthcare users.”

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