Wouter Basson’s application for recusal of panel members dismissed
Wouter Basson has had his request for two of his peers to be recused from disciplinary proceedings against him dismissed by the North Gauteng High Court on Friday.
The decision has been welcomed by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) which is mandated to ensure quality healthcare.
“The HPCSA welcomes the decision of the Court,” said spokesperson Daphney Chuma. “The respective legal teams will be considering the judgment and Dr Basson will appear before the disciplinary committee in due course.”
The HPCSA is responsible for conducting and regulating disciplinary proceedings into Basson’s alleged unethical actions. Proceedings into the matter began in 2014 but had been interrupted by Basson’s application.
The controversial cardiologist – who headed the apartheid government’s secret chemical and biological warfare programme, Project Coast – and his legal team applied for two members of the Professional Conduct Committee to recuse themselves from the disciplinary proceedings.
The two members – Professor Jannie Hugo and Professor Eddie Mhlanga – had previously expressed their dismay at Basson’s alleged conduct during the apartheid era. Basson and his legal team attempted to have them recused, alleging a lack of objectivity.
Hugo and Mhlanga – chairperson and member, respectively – had refused to remove themselves from the disciplinary committee and have now had the Court support their stance.
“Judge Unterhalter AJ ordered that the Application is dismissed with costs and Dr Basson is directed to exhaust his remedy of appeal before an appeal committee in terms of the Health Professions Act 56 of 1974, should he wish to do so,” said Chuma. - ANA