FILE PHOTO: Panyaza Lesufi said he regretted his "participation in this incomplete process and the possible falsehood shared with members of the public". PICTURE: Business Day
0
0
JOHANNESBURG: Therefore, [I] realised that [I] had participated “in an unauthorised medical process”.
The Gauteng Member of Executive (MEC) responsible for Education, Mr Panyaza Lesufi has apologised for endorsing an unapproved Chinese traditional medicine remedy to treat Covid-19.
In a viral video, circulated on social media platforms, Mr Lesufi can be seen promoting the medication by saying that it helped his family fight the deadly virus.
In a statement issued by the department spokesperson Mr Steve Mabona, “[f]ollowing the trials, the MEC was asked about the impact of the medication on his health and, sadly, his response was leaked through social media, breaching his right to privacy and confidentiality”.
Later that day, Mr Lesufi released a statement saying he had engaged with the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra). Therefore, he realised that he had participated “in an unauthorised medical process”.
“I also fully apologise that I did not verify with the Regulatory Authority, Sahpra, if that was correct and acceptable.
“I sincerely apologise for my careless behaviour and will co-operate fully with Sahpra to ensure that this matter is correctly addressed,” said Mr Lesufi.
“I have already started engaging with regulatory compliance unit of Sahpra to ensure that we reverse the incorrect information shared with the public. I have since asked the pharmacist, who knows the approval processes,” added Mr Lesufi.
Mr Lesufi said he regretted his “participation in this incomplete process and the possible falsehood shared with members of the public”.
