UCT Academic slammed

By Tando Mfengwana

A University of Cape Town (UCT) academic, Professor Girish Kotwal has been suspended from his duties after allegations from international journal, Nature Medicine. The Journal links Kotwal with an herbal tonic said to be sold at health shops and by traditional healers as “ithemba lesizwe” (hope of the nation), claiming to be a treatment for HIV. UCT spokesperson Skye Grove said that they are aware of the report and they regard the allegations as very serious, but this will not change normal teaching activities. Grove says that the possible professional misconduct of Kotwal has been referred for investigation. On Monday Kotwal met with Executive members of the University, which included the dean of the health and science faculty, Professor Marian Jacobs.

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