A DISPUTE has erupted between the Gauteng Department of Health and Section27 over the relocation of mental healthcare users.
This as 174 vulnerable patients face uncertainty following the looming eviction of the Talisman Foundation.
The Joburg-based facility, which has operated for more than two decades and is licenced to care for up to 200 mental healthcare users, has been ordered to vacate its premises by 14 May 2026 after its landlord declined to extend its lease.
Represented by Section27, the Talisman Foundation has raised alarm over how the Gauteng Department of Health is handling the situation.
Section27 alleged that the department's efforts to relocate patients are "uncoordinated, lack consultation with affected families and are being conducted in a reckless manner".
The organisation further claimed that "the process is hurried and uncoordinated," warning that it could place patients at serious risk.
"All of this was done without any meaningful consultation with the impacted mental health care users (MHCUs), their families or with the Talisman Foundation. Many of the families and residents have received no communication from the Gauteng Department of Health regarding the relocation," Section27 said.
The group argued that this approach violates legal obligations and undermines the rights of patients, adding that it goes against the principle of "nothing about us without us".
Concerns have also been raised about where patients will be moved.
"The process appears rushed, unclear and potentially dangerous, with a lack of transparency regarding how facilities were identified, inspected and vetted," the organisation said.
It further warned that some of the facilities identified were previously linked to the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where 141 patients died following poorly managed transfers.
"South Africa cannot afford to repeat the failures of the past," Section27 said.
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According to the organisation, the uncertainty has caused distress among residents, many of whom describe the Talisman Foundation as a "home", "place of safety" and "safe haven".
However, the Gauteng Department of Health has strongly rejected the allegations, describing them as misleading.
"The department firmly rejects these claims as inaccurate and misleading," the department said in a statement.
"Since the outset of this process, the department has prioritised a structured, lawful and patient-centred approach to the relocation of mental healthcare users."
The department said it has been engaging partners throughout.
"This includes ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to ensure that all decisions are informed, responsible and in the best interests of patients," it said.
It also confirmed discussions with the facility itself.
"Importantly, the department has been in active discussions with the Talisman Foundation to resolve matters relating to the affected patients," it said.
The department said that it even approached the landlord to delay the eviction.
"The department has even gone to the extent of requesting the landlord to delay the eviction to create enough time for all stakeholders to resolve the situation amicably."
Denying claims of acting alone, the department said: "Mechanisms for family engagement and consultation have been implemented and continue to be strengthened. The claim that the department is acting recklessly or rushing relocations is unfounded."
