Limpopo Health MEC Mr Eddie Maila warmly welcomed the newly appointed Mental Health Review Board during an induction held in Polokwane this week.
The newly appointed Board members assumed their roles on 28 August 2026 and will serve a three-year term ending in 2029. The Board comprises 25 members, with five members representing each district, led by a chairperson and supported by a Secretariat.
The main objective of the induction was to equip Board members with the necessary
knowledge and skills to effectively fulfil their mandate. Addressing the Board, MEC Maila said the induction was necessary as it serves as an educational mechanism for Board members.
"It will assist all members to fulfil their mandate, protect the rights and dignity of people living with mental health conditions, as well as strengthen mental health services across the province," said the MEC.
The MEC explained that the Department continues to witness the devastating psychological impact of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
"This often leads to survivors experiencing depression, trauma-related conditions and
other serious mental health challenges," explained MEC Maila.
MEC Maila further elaborated on the significance of addressing GBVF as part of promoting and protecting mental health.
"At the same time, people living with mental health conditions can themselves become vulnerable to violence, sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect," added the MEC.
The Mental Health Review Board (MHRB) is a statutory body established in terms of the Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 (MHCA) to protect the rights and interests of mental health care users.
The roles and responsibilities of the MHRB
Their roles include among others;
- Reviewing and making decisions on applications for involuntary mental health care, treatment and rehabilitation.
- Considering representations and complaints from mental health care users, families and other interested persons, and reviewing the continued provision of involuntary care.
- Considers relevant periodical reports from mental health establishments and may make recommendations regarding the continuation, modification or termination of involuntary care.
- In relation to State patients and mentally ill accused persons, the Board performs functions prescribed by the MHCA and works within the broader legal framework involving mental health establishments, the National Prosecuting Authority and the High Court.
The Mental Health Care Act provides for a multidisciplinary composition that brings together different perspectives.
Composition of the MHRB
- Mental health Practitioners x2 (Medical doctor, Nurse, Psychologist, social worker).
- Legal Practitioner (Magistrate/Attorney or advocate admitted in terms of the law).
- Community representation (member of the community concerned).
- Secretariat
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