553 Madiba Street

Arcadia, Pretoria
PO Box 205
Pretoria, 0001
Tel: +27 (12) 3389300
Fax: +27 (12) 3285120
Email:
daphneyc@hpcsa.co.za
Website: www.hpcsa.co.za

Media Advisory
Hearing of Professor Tim Noakes
28 October 2016
Professor Tim Noakes, a Professor at the University of Cape Town was found guilty of unprofessional
conduct. This is after he provided unconventional advice on breastfeeding babies on social media
which was not in accordance with the norms and standards of his profession.
Professor Noakes testified and called all of his witnesses in defence of his case. The witnesses were
cross examined by the Pro Forma Complainant. The Pro Forma Complainant has now closed its case
and there are no further witnesses to be called. The only outstanding issue is that of argument of the
matter.
On Wednesday, 26 October 2016, the proceedings were adjourned until 4 and 5 April 2017.
Before the matter is argued on 4 and 5 April 2017, the Pro Forma Complainant and Professor Noakes
have to file their heads of argument. The Pro Forma Complainant will file its heads of argument by no
later than 1 February 2017. Professor Noakes' legal team will have until 22 February 2017 to file their
heads of argument. The Pro Forma Complainant will have until 15 March 2017 to file a reply to the
heads of argument.
The matter will then be argued before the Professional Conduct Committee (PCC) on 4 and 5 April.
The PCC will deliberate on the issue and come to a decision between 6 and 7 April.
A judgment/verdict on the matter will be issued on Friday, 21 April 2017 by the PCC.

Ends

About the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) is a statutory body established under the
Health Professions Act 56 of 1974 and is committed to protecting the public and guiding the
professions. The mission of the HPCSA is quality and equitable healthcare for all.
The Council is mandated to regulate the health professions in the country in aspects pertaining to
education, training and registration, professional conduct and ethical behaviour, ensuring continuing
Professional Development (CPD), and fostering compliance with healthcare standards.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Protecting the public and guiding the professions

President: Dr TKS Letlape, Vice President: Mr LA Malotana, Acting Registrar/CEO: Adv PF Khumalo

In order to safeguard the public and indirectly the professions, registration in terms of the Act is a
prerequisite for practising any of the health professions registrable with Council.

Issued by:
Daphney Chuma
Senior Manager: Public Relations and Service Delivery
Health Professions Council of South Africa
Tel: 012 338 9481
Email: daphneyc@hpcsa.co.za

For further enquiries, please contact:

Priscilla Sekhonyana
Communications Manager:
Health Professions Council of South Africa
Tel: 012 339 9368/082 801 6685
Email: priscillas@hpcsa.co.za

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Protecting the public and guiding the professions

President: Dr TKS Letlape, Vice President: Mr LA Malotana, Acting Registrar/CEO: Adv PF Khumalo