Cape Town – Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has denied rumours that she obtained cancer medication from Russia for the late African National Congress (ANC) Deputy Secretary Jessie Duarte.
According to IOL, Sisulu recently made headlines when she said that she visited Russia and secured cancer medication for Duarte while there, but it arrived in South Africa too late.
Following multiple reports on Sisulu’s remarks, the South African Health Products and Regulatory Authority (Sahpra) said that it was investigating the matter because it could be a violation of the Medicines Act.
“Sahpra has noted the numerous media articles on the statement made by Minister Sisulu having secured medicine for Jessie Duarte,” the authority said, adding that it was “looking into the reports in the media and is engaging with the minister’s office”.
“No person shall order any medicine from abroad for personal use unless Sahpra has granted the said person an authorisation in terms of Section 21 of the Medicines Act,” the report quoted Sahpra as saying.
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Following the backlash, Sisulu explained that she did not bring any medication into the country and that it was all in her head, according to Times Live.
“I had cancer, my brother had cancer, my husband passed away from cancer, so I wanted to go and learn and I found a new treatment. I did not put it in my pocket, it’s in my head. I brought in my mind a new medicine that we could try on Jessie. I didn’t put it in my bag as it is administered by doctors, I’m not a doctor.
Sisulu went on to say that those who did not believe her could go to hell, added the report.
Duarte died in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 68 after battling cancer.
She was laid to rest on the same day in Johannesburg according to Muslim rites.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
