The Health Profession Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has till Friday to provide Tim Noakes with reasons for why disciplinary proceedings were instituted against him in the first place.
This morning, chairperson of the professional conduct committee Joan Adams, said: "The failure of preliminary committee to provide written reasons to date is astounding to say at least…. Failure to provide reasons is a blatant defiance of constitution and promotion of administration of justice."
Noakes is accused by the Association of Dietetics of SA (ADSA) of unprofessional conduct for providing "unconventional advice on breast-fed babies on social networks" after he advised a mother on Twitter last year to wean her child on a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet.
Adams commended the actions of the pro forma complainant, Meshak Mapolisa, for the lengths he went to in attempt to get reasons for the preliminary enquiry decision.
"Mr Mapholisa took a brave stance and with utmost integrity in the matter in cricumstances which must have been very trying and traumatic," said Adams.
In relation to allegations made against top academics who formed part of the preliminary committee, Adams said that Noakes should find the appropriate forum under the Protection of Access to Information Act (PAIA).
He went as far as issuing a subpoena to the chair of the preliminary committee Professor Ames Dhai, who is director of the Steve Biko Centre for Bioethics at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits University.
The next witness expected to provide evidence for the HPCSA is bioethicist Professor Willem Pienaar. The hearing continues.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 