The Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) has been accused of political interference after it found Tlaleng Mofokeng – the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health – guilty of unprofessional conduct for her social media posts criticising Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The watchdog fined her R10 000 for “bringing the profession into disrepute” for what it described as abusive, racially charged and profane language on social media, reports News24.
However, more than 100 South African and international organisations have condemned the sanctions
The ruling stemmed from a complaint lodged by the South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) after Mofokeng posted, “F*** you, Netanyahu”* and “You white man. Evil scum. Voetsek.”
According to the HPCSA’s official finding, Mofokeng violated Regulation 4(9) of the Health Professions Act through conduct deemed unbecoming of a medical professional and contrary to the ethical standards of the profession.
But in a joint statement last week, a coalition of groups under the banner of South African Civil Society, Global Organisations and Individuals, accused the HPCSA of political interference and violating freedom of expression, warning that the sanction sets a dangerous precedent for health professionals who speak out against injustice.
“Dr Mofokeng’s comments reflect her moral outrage at deliberate attacks that have devastated hospitals, health workers, and civilians, issues squarely within her lifelong commitment to health justice. A UN commission of inquiry has since found that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza,” the statement read.
The organisations called for the withdrawal of the HPCSA’s “baseless finding” and fine, as well as a public apology for what they described as entertaining a politically motivated complaint outside its proper remit.
Meanwhile, the SAZF welcomed the ruling, calling it an important step in protecting ethical standards within the medical profession.
“The ruling sends a clear message: South African professionals who use their platforms to spread hate, racial slurs, or incite hostility will face consequences.
“Professional standing carries a duty to act with impartiality, ethics, and respect for all communities. Those who exploit their status to promote prejudice or hatred undermine not only their own credibility but also the institutions they represent,” the SAZF said.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Doctor defends social media posts after HPCSA fine
The risks and hazards of social media for doctors