Stellenbosch University’s Tygerberg Student Council has called for Dr Wouter Basson to be barred from teaching its students, it said on Sunday.
Chairperson Nick Wayne in a statement said the student council has been informed that Basson teaches select groups of fourth year medical students who are on clinical rotation at Mediclinic.
“We will be entering into conversation with the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences to ensure that in 2016 no students are taught by Dr Basson and move to prevent such incidences from reoccurring,” he said.
“We are of the understanding that Stellenbosch University uses Mediclinic as a partner in the education of Tygerberg students and believe the university should review the policies that made students vulnerable to such a situation.”
According to the Mediclinic website, Basson is a cardiologist who offers support services at its Durbanville and Panorama hospitals.
“Basson was the apartheid-era head of the chemical and biological warfare project for the South African government and is accused of multiple crimes against humanity. In 2013, he was found guilty on four counts of misconduct by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA),” Wayne said.
“While acknowledging that Basson is not directly employed by Stellenbosch University, the Tygerberg Student Council hereby issues a clear and unambiguous call to management to effectively bar Basson from any and all contact with students.” News24