Image: GCIS

The scientific community’s support for South Africa’s management of the coronavirus outbreak risks being undermined by the health ministry’s harsh response to criticism from a leading expert.

Glenda Gray, president of the South African Medical Research Council and a member of a virus advisory council appointed by health minister Zweli Mkhize, told media on 16 May that some government measures to deal with the outbreak were unscientific and cases of malnutrition had been detected at the country’s biggest hospital.

Mkhize has accused her of lying while Anban Pillay, the acting director-general of the health department, demanded that the research council investigate her conduct.

Mkhize last week disputed Gray’s comments on malnutrition and rejected her statement that the government was ignoring scientific advice.

In a letter to Pillay, seen by Bloomberg, Mahlangu apologised for Gray’s conduct, said an investigation would be undertaken, and requested a meeting with the acting director-general and the minister.