Mandela doctor's tell-all book pulled from shelves
UPDATE: The executors in the estate of Nelson Mandela have released a statement this evening, saying permission for the book was not sought from them, nor were they consulted by the publisher, Penguin Random House South Africa or the author, Dr Vejay Ramlakan. In the statement, Dikgang Moseneke, George Bizos and Themba Sangoni say the contents of the book are deeply regrettable, unfortunate and constitute unlawful disclosures.
Penguin Random House South Africa has pulled a book on former President Nelson Mandela by his doctor from the shelves.
The book, penned by Durban-born Dr Vejay Ramlakan and detailing some of Mandela's final moments has sparked debate around doctor-patient confidentiality.
The book has angered several members of the Mandela family, including Madiba's widow, Graca Machel who's consulting with lawyers over possible legal action.
In a statement, Penguin Random House South Africa says no further copies will be distributed out of respect for Madiba.
Ramlakan claims to have been given permission to write the book, but has not said by whom.
Legal expert Sunil Singh says if consent for the book was not given by the executor of Mandela's estate, then the alleged permission is in invalid.
"If the master has not in anyway given that person authority to disseminate any information pertaining to Mr Mandela then whatever is given from there is defective consent and Graca Machel will have recourse against the person who has given the authority firstly, also to the person who disseminated the information, the publisher, and Dr Ramlakan," Singh said.
Singh says it also boggles the mind why Ramlakan won't say who gave him permission to write the book.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation has declined to comment on the matter - saying it's still going through the book.
Meanwhile, the Health Professions Council of South Africa's Dr Kgosi Letlape says doctor-patient confidentiality must, at all times, be respected, even in death.
"The issue of confidentiality is a core value of the profession. The values we hold dear are clinical autonomy, professionalism and confidentiality and the need for informed consent," Letlape said.
Ramlakan previously served as the Surgeon-General at the South African National Defence Force.
The SANDF has distanced itself from the book.