Failure of Effective Leadership in Healthcare: The Case of Life Healthcare Esidimeni (South Africa)

December 3, 2025

Failure of Effective Leadership in Healthcare: The Case of Life Healthcare Esidimeni (South Africa)

Oladeji Daramola | 2018

Abstract

The project focuses on the failure of effective leadership in healthcare, with specific reference to the case of Life Healthcare Esidimeni in South Africa. In this case, 144 mental health patients died at unlicensed and ill-equipped Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) care homes in Gauteng province largely due to starvation, severe neglect and chronic failure of healthcare leadership, and a further 59 are still unaccounted for. It is imperative to note that the Esidimeni tragedy is South Africa’s worst healthcare case. The decisions and actions of the healthcare leaders in the case of Life Healthcare Esidimeni, highlight the key role that effective leadership and ethics play in patient safety and satisfaction efforts. Recommendations are then presented.

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