The Talisman Foundation has confirmed that it is not closing down but is facing challenges relating to the property it occupies.

The organisation has been issued with a notice to vacate the premises by the property owner, the Old Apostolic Church, and has been given until May 14.

Jackie Tau, the chairperson of the Foundation, said the challenges between Talisman and the landlord relate to the condition of the property and long-standing maintenance issues.

“The building is an older structure with ageing infrastructure, including galvanised piping that has deteriorated over time, resulting in numerous leaks throughout the property. “Talisman has repeatedly raised concerns about these leaks, which have also contributed to significantly increased water bills over an extended period.

“In addition, the electricity billing for the property was found to be inaccurate for nearly over five years, as the meter used for billing belonged to another property. The landlord attempted to resolve this issue with the City of Johannesburg to obtain a credit refund for the incorrect charges, but the matter has not been successfully resolved to date.

“The landlord has indicated that the cost of repairing the extensive plumbing and infrastructure issues throughout the building is substantial and has been a significant concern from their side.

At one stage, the Old Apostolic Church offered the property to Talisman for purchase. However, the timeframe provided and the financial requirements were beyond what the organisation could reasonably afford. The proposed selling price also increased over time, rising from approximately R14 million to R30 million, which placed the purchase well outside Talisman’s financial capacity.

“The landlord also explored the possibility of selling the property to the Gauteng Department of Social Development and later to the Gauteng Department of Health, but these discussions did not ultimately result in a sale.

“As matters currently stand, the landlord has issued a three-month notice for Talisman to vacate the premises, as the intention is to place the property on the open market for sale,” he said.

Talisman has informed all relevant stakeholders, including the Department of Health, and is engaging with its legal team in the hope of securing additional time to identify suitable alternative accommodation for its residents.

Home to 176 residents

The facility provides accommodation and psychosocial rehabilitation services to 176 mental health care users (MHCUs) and employs 19 staff members who support the daily care and well-being of residents. Talisman is a licensed psychosocial rehabilitation centre authorised to accommodate up to 200 MHCUs and has been serving the community for nearly five decades.

“While the Department of Health has begun identifying possible alternative placements for some residents, Talisman has indicated that careful planning, proper consultation with families, and adequate time are essential to ensure that any relocation is conducted responsibly and in the best interests of the residents,” said Tau.

“Talisman has emphasised that the well-being, safety, and dignity of its residents remain its highest priority. Many residents have lived at the facility for a significant number of years, with some having called Talisman home for more than 20 years. Over time, they have built meaningful lives and relationships within the community.

“Some residents have partners, some are married, some live as mothers with their children, and some care for pets. For many, Talisman is not simply a facility but their home and support system.”

Careful about relocation

The organisation has also indicated that it is being extremely careful regarding the relocation of residents.

“Because Talisman has direct contractual agreements with residents and their families, the organisation requires proper consultation and written consent from families before any placements can take place.

“This process is necessary to ensure that residents are placed appropriately and safely.

“Talisman has stressed that this careful approach is essential to prevent tragedies similar to the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where vulnerable mental health patients were relocated without proper planning, oversight, or safeguards,” he noted.

Many residents at Talisman also have complex physical health needs in addition to their mental health conditions.

Staff regularly assist residents with ongoing medical care, including frequent hospital visits and specialist treatment for conditions such as diabetes, cancer treatment, ENT conditions, dermatology, urology, podiatry care, contraceptive care, and HIV treatment.

The organisation has expressed concern that sudden relocation to facilities that may not have the same resources or capacity could place these residents at risk.

Talisman has therefore appealed for a reasonable time to identify appropriate accommodation where residents can continue receiving care, stability, and support.

“Residents are understandably distressed by the uncertainty,” the organisation said. “They look to our staff for reassurance and support. Our responsibility is to ensure that any decisions affecting their lives are made carefully, responsibly, and with their well-being at the centre.”

Tau reaffirmed Talisman’s commitment to continue serving the community and supporting people living with mental illness. The organisation also highlighted that there is already a shortage of psychosocial rehabilitation facilities in South Africa, and that centres such as Talisman play a vital role in supporting the public mental health system and easing pressure on state facilities.

Outside the Talisman Foundation building hangs a plaque dedicated to the victims of the Life Esidimeni tragedy. Erected on Human Rights Day in 2018, the plaque bears the words: “Never again shall the rights of mental healthcare patients be denied.”

For the Talisman Foundation, these words are not symbolic. They represent a daily commitment to ensure that the dignity, safety and well-being of every resident remain at the centre of all decisions affecting their care and placement.

Old Apostolic Church statement

The Old Apostolic Church, through its legal team, said: “There is a formal process underway in accordance with the terms of the lease agreement. The Old Apostolic Church is following the required procedures and remains fully compliant with all applicable obligations in this regard.

“The relevant authority, Gauteng Department of Health, was informed of the church’s intention to cancel the lease agreement in November 2025. At this stage, we respectfully request that the process be allowed to run its course. It would be premature to comment further while this process is ongoing.”

Department of Health’s take

Sandile Gwayi, Johannesburg Health District’s manager of communications and stakeholders management, said: “The Foundation has been supported by the Department of Health and provides support to the facility through a multidisciplinary team comprising a nurse, social worker, occupational therapist, medical officer, psychiatrist, psychologist, environmental health practitioner, and dietician.

“Talisman Foundation is licensed to accommodate 200 mental health care users. There are presently 176 MHCUs admitted. The Department of Health is aware of a lease agreement dispute between the Talisman Foundation and the landowners: Old Apostolic Church. We defer to Talisman Foundation and the Old Apostolic Church regarding the nature of the dispute.

“Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are autonomous institutions who enter into contracts of their own accord. The Department of Health supports 146 licensed NGOs across Gauteng Province with regard to health and rehabilitation requirements. Stepping in to any roles beyond the support of health and rehabilitation requirements is considered an undermining of the NGO’s independent governance and administrative function.

“The Department of Health remains committed to supporting the NGO to ensure that the health and rehabilitative needs of the Talisman residents are not compromised, in accordance with the Mental Health Care Act, 17 of 2002.”