Response to Noseweek by UCT and Western Cape

The University of Cape Town and the Western Cape Department of Health have taken note of multiple allegations made by Associate Professor Mark de Groot in an article published inNoseweek's 1 February 2014 edition. Prof De Groot's concerns were investigated and responded to by UCT and the Provincial Health Department in 2012 (see here).

We are shocked by the serious lapse of journalism ethics in Noseweek's failure to approach us for comment on Prof De Groot's concerns.

These concerns notwithstanding, the quality of medical graduates from UCT remains among the highest in the world, and they are recruited worldwide. Similarly, the quality of professional service rendered and the research undertaken by UCT academics has a global reputation. The UCT Faculty of Health Sciences was rated among the top 50 around the world by the prestigious Times Higher Education Global University Rankings in 2012.

The matter of Prof De Groot's dismissal from the Provincial Health Department is under review. There were multiple issues around Prof De Groot's relationship with UCT and the provincial department, many of which were handled under conditions of confidentiality. We are satisfied that they were handled according to due process.

Statement issued by Patricia Lucas, UCT Communication and Marketing Department, January 31 2014

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