Our Story
Born from tragedy, driven by compassion
The global trend towards deinstitutionalization of people with psychosocial illnesses has come a long way since they were treated like outcasts with no human rights. However, the treatment of those subjected to the Gauteng Mental Health Directorate "Marathon Project" transfer from safe havens like Life Esidimeni care centers was archaic and reminiscent of past injustices.
This organization was born out of the experience of the inhumane "Marathon Project" by family members who were directly affected and involved as Family representatives/Committee to oppose its implementation. The project resulted in the untimely, torturous deaths of over 140 loved ones, with over a thousand others suffering from starvation, dehydration and displacement.
Our founder, Andrew Pietersen, together with other noteworthy Family Committee members, was involved in organizing family representatives, arranging demonstrations, creating awareness, engaging with the Department of Health, reporting to the Health Ombudsman, relocating patients to safe places, and negotiating the terms for the Arbitration process.