Noakes testifies before Health Professions Council of SA
World renowned scientist Professor Tim Noakes has testified in the case against him after he was charged with professional misconduct for giving "unconventional" advice to a breastfeeding mother on social media, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) said on Friday.
In a statement on Friday, the HPCSA said that Noakes testified and called all his witnesses in defence of his case. The proceedings were adjourned to April 4 and 5.
"Professor Noakes and his witnesses were cross examined by the Pro Forma Complainant. Since the Pro Forma Complainant has closed its case, and Professor Noakes closed his case, there are no further witnesses to be called. The only outstanding issue is that of argument of the matter," the HPCSA said.
"Before the matter is argued on 4 and 5 April 2017, the Pro Forma Complainant and Professor Noakes have to file heads of argument. It was agreed that the Prof Forma Complainant will file its heads of argument by no later than 1 February 2017. Professor Noakes' legal team will have until 22 February 2016 to file the heads of argument."
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The council said that the Pro Forma Complainant will have until March 15, to file a reply to the heads of argument.
The matter will then be argued before the Committee, which will then deliberate on the issue and come to a decision between April 6 and 7.
A judgment or verdict will be issued on April 21.
The HPCSA also apologised and retracted an earlier statement which "incorrectly stating" that Noakes was found guilty by the council.