The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA) strongly condemns the unfair and unlawful actions of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) against Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng.

We are deeply concerned that this matter constitutes an ultra vires action, as the HPCSA holds no legal authority or mandate to regulate the personal or political expressions of its individual members. It is therefore clear that this decision is politically motivated and represents a violation of Dr. Mofokeng’s fundamental freedoms. Moreover, it amounts to an act of defamation that must be challenged and rejected.

It is alarming that certain elements within the HPCSA appear to be acting under the influence of pro-

Zionist lobbyist — following the same pattern used by Israeli officials to discredit and attack United Nations agencies and representatives who expose Israel’s war crimes and genocidal acts. By aligning itself with such agendas, the HPCSA risks being seen as complicit with those who face International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants for crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and genocide.

That the HPCSA has allowed itself to be manipulated into being the puppets of the genocidaires and their agents in South Africa serving as a tool for these forces is deeply disturbing. Rather than targeting a respected medical professional for her personal views, the Council should be speaking out against the deliberate destruction of Gaza’s health system — including the killing of thousands of Palestinians, among them doctors and nurses; the bombing of hospitals and clinics; and the obstruction of humanitarian aid to the wounded and starving.

Had the HPCSA panelists reviewed reports from the United Nations and other credible sources — including those authored by Dr. Mofokeng herself in her capacity as UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health — they would have found extensive evidence of Israel’s weaponisation of healthcare in Gaza. These include:

• “Gaza Genocide: A Collective Crime” by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese (link)

A/80/492: “Gaza Genocide: a collective crime” – Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967. – Advance unedited version | OHCHR

• “From Economy of Occupation to Economy of Genocide”: From economy of occupation to economy of genocide – (A/HRC/59/23) Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 – Question of Palestine;
• Mofokeng’s own reports detailing the catastrophic collapse of Gaza’s health system: Gaza: UN expert condemns ‘unrelenting war’ on health system amid airstrikes on hospitals and health workers – Question of Palestine
• The legal analysis by Judge Navi Pillay confirming Israel’s commission of genocide in Gaza:

Israel has committed genocide in the Gaza Strip, UN Commission finds | OHCHR

These and many other investigations by international humanitarian bodies such as Lancet, Amnesty International, Oxfam have detailed the catastrophic situation in Gaza, but with this action the HPCSA has loudly positioned itself as complicit with organisations that support the ongoing genocide committed by Israel.

UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said as recent as 3 October 2025 that every child in Gaza is suffering from high-levels of trauma – “Gaza City remains home to tens of thousands of children. Shoeless children push grandparents in wheelchairs around rubble. Amputee children struggle through the dust. Mothers carry children whose skin is bleeding from rashes. Children shudder at the relentless airstrikes. And children gaze skyward tracking the fire from helicopters and quadcopters. The question I am asked everywhere in Gaza City – from women, from the elderly, and from children – is: ‘Where can I go that will be safe’? And the answer remains the same after almost two years: Nowhere.” These reports and analysis should guide all organisations such as the HPCSA’s to use the platforms available to them to call out Israel’s crime against humanity and organisations like SAZF and other Zionist lobby groups such as the UN Watch that support Israel’s genocide and ethnic cleansing across the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Council’s decision demonstrates a troubling insensitivity and bias, suggesting that it values some lives over others and prioritises the image of a wanted war criminal over the suffering of millions of Palestinians. This ruling is yet another attempt to silence South Africans who speak out against Israel’s atrocities and to undermine the legitimate work of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health.

By failing to consider the broader context of genocide, the HPCSA has compromised its own credibility, independence, and impartiality — placing itself on the wrong side of history and in the camp of apartheid Israel.

We are further concerned by apparent procedural irregularities. It remains unclear whether Dr. Mofokeng was formally notified of the hearing or given a fair opportunity to defend herself. If not, this would constitute a serious breach of due process and reinforce the perception of political interference.

The PSA fully supports Dr. Mofokeng’s constitutional rights to freedom of conscience, belief, and expression — as guaranteed under Sections 15 and 16 of the South African Constitution. We call on the HPCSA to return to its core mandate: regulating professional medical ethics, not policing personal speech. The Council must also reflect on how Zionist interests have been allowed to weaponise its authority to suppress dissent and shield human rights violators from accountability.

Our Demands

1. Immediate reversal of the sanctions imposed on Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng.
2. A formal public apology from the HPCSA for this unjust and politically motivated action.
3. An independent review of the HPCSA’s disciplinary procedures to eliminate political bias and ensure transparency.
4. A clear policy statement affirming that South African medical professionals are free to express personal views — including on matters of global justice — without fear of persecution.
5. An investigation into South African health professionals who serve in or support the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) or who publicly advocate for genocide.

Conclusion

The Palestinian Solidarity Alliance stands firmly in solidarity with Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng.

Dr. Mofokeng — affectionately known as Dr. T — has brought honour to South Africa through her global leadership in advancing the right to health. Appointed in 2020 as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, she is the first African woman to hold this position. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Partnership for Microbicides, is a distinguished Lecturer in Law at Georgetown University, and Chair of the Lancet Commission on Racism, Structural Discrimination and Global Health.

Her tireless work for gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, and human rights has earned her numerous global accolades, including recognition by Forbes Africa’s Most Influential Women (2024), the BBC 100 Women (2021), and the Clinix Global Excellence Award (2023). A bestselling author and acclaimed broadcaster, Dr. T’s courage, intellect, and compassion have inspired millions around the world.

Her principled stance against genocide and unwavering commitment to justice represent the moral conscience that our society so urgently needs.

We call on all South Africans — especially members of the medical fraternity — to reject intimidation, defend freedom of expression, and stand for human rights.

Justice for Dr. Mofokeng is justice for every South African who refuses to remain silent in the face of oppression.

 

Issued by: Palestinian Solidarity Alliance (PSA)

Contact: Sunny Morgan

Email: info@palestinesa.co.za

Phone:0827279940

 

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