Parliament – The refusal by the Speaker to heed a call for a moment of silence to be observed for the 94 Life Esidimeni pyschiatric patients received sharp criticism on Twitter.
Public law interest centre Section 27 said Baleka Mbete's decision to block a request by the Democratic Alliance to remember the fallen patients was unsympathetic.
"Decision to deny moment of silence was heartless, shameless and upsetting. It was a time to put party politics aside," the organisation tweeted.
It said reminded individuals that they had the power, the Constitution and urged them to wrestle it back from corruption, thuggery, tender grabs, poor schools and bad hospitals.
DA led by @MmusiMaimane carry a sign that reads: 'Remember The Esidimeni 94' on deaths of mentally ill patients #SONA2017 @IOLPolitics pic.twitter.com/QEYGAsV7Nc
— Tshego Lepule (@tshegofatsang) February 9, 2017
The issues which has left many unhappy began when DA chief whip John Steenhuizen stood up and asked that the National Assembly take a brief moment before President Jacob Zuma delivered his State Of The Nation Address in order to remember the 94 patients who died after they were transferred from the Randfontein Life Esidimeni Hospital to 27 unlicensed non-government organisations by the Gauteng Department of Health last year.
However Mbete told Steenhuizen that the ocassion did not allow for that adding it the matter would be discussed next week.
However, Steenhuizen insisted that next week was too late and that she at least allow the DA to take 30s and observe a moment of silence.
This request was also overruled by Mbete.
Others on the social media platform shared sentiments by Section 27 saying they a time should have been made to mourn the many women and men.
Answering questions posed by journalists after the President's SONA, ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe said if he was the Speaker of Parliament he would have granted the DA their request.
Meanwhile, President Zuma called for the recommendations made by the Health Ombudsman following a report into the deaths of the patients to be implemented speedily.
He said those suffering from mental Ill health are the most vulnerable members of society and have to be protected.
Mbete could have dealt with #Isidimeni94 matter strategically.It would been over now but by arguing she is appearing callous& out of touch
— Redi Tlhabi (@RediTlhabi) February 9, 2017
Good people!We have power,we have the Constitution, let's wrestle it back from corruption,thuggery, tender-grabs,poor schools,bad hospitals!
— SECTION27 (@SECTION27news) February 9, 2017
Parliament should have observed the moment of silence, it was an humane request #SONA2017
— Castro Ngobese (@castrongobese) February 9, 2017
There was no day of mourning, special address by the president, flags flying half mast. No one cared. They died and we carried on.