Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - September 27, 2007
Briefing media in Cape Town yesterday, TAC leader Zachie Achmat said Qunta's involvement in a firm selling untested medicines purported to cure HIV/Aids disqualified her from occupying any public office.
"If President Thabo Mbeki goes on to officially appoint her, we will definitely take the matter to court," he said.
Qunta, one of the directors of Comforter's Healing Gift, a company involved in the registration and patenting of traditional herbs currently being tested for HIV cure properties, is one of 12 candidates selected by the national assembly's communication committee to sit on the SABC board.
Mbeki is yet to officially appoint the selected candidates.
Calls for Qunta to be dropped from the list have been mounting following allegations that people associated with the Comforter's Healing Gift were already selling the herbs to the public, despite the fact that scientific tests have not been concluded.
Achmat said: "There is prima facie evidence that... Qunta, a practising attorney, is an investor and director in a company that profiteers from selling untested and unregistered cures and treatments for Aids."
Qunta, who is currently the SABC's deputy chairwoman, will be a reappointment to the public broadcaster's board if Mbeki approves a list of candidates selected by the committee.
070927
SA070906
Copyright © 2007 - South African Press Association. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the South African Press Association, Cotswold House, Greenacres Office Park, Cnr. Victory & Rustenburg Roads, VICTORY PARK, PO BOX 7766, JOHANNESBURG, 2000; Fax No: +27 11 782-1587/8, Tel No: +27 11 782-1600.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .