POLITICS

The public crucifixion of Caster Semenya - DENOSA and SAMA

Unions call on government to protect athlete against invasion of privacy

DOCTORS AND NURSES DEPLORE THE VIOLATION OF CASTER SEMENYA'S RIGHTS AS A HUMAN BEING

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) and the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) deplore the flagrant disregard and violation of Ms Caster Semenya's rights to dignity, respect, confidentiality and privacy by parties who have chosen to publicly disclose information of an extremely personal and sensitive nature, without her knowledge or consent.

SAMA and DENOSA call on Government to protect Ms Semenya against this public abuse.

"These actions will undoubtedly have life-changing consequences for her and possibly serious effects on her physical and mental health. We appeal to Government to provide Ms Semenya with the essential professional care and protection to support her through this situation," said Prof Denise White, SAMA chairperson.

SAMA and DENOSA object to the continuous reporting of confidential information to the media that has resulted in the public crucifixion of Semenya. This is totally unacceptable and should not be allowed to continue.

"We are concerned by the leakage of Semenya's confidential health information and call on all health professionals to go back to basics, in particular those of protecting and practicing health professional-patient confidentiality" says DENOSA General Secretary Thembeka Gwagwa.

We call for a speedy closure on this matter to prevent further harm to this talented athlete.

SAMA and DENOSA pledge their support to Ms Semenya and her family during this difficult time.

Statement issued by Asanda Fongqo, DENOSA Communications Officer, and the Corporate Communication Unit of the South African Medical Association, September 14 2009

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