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The standing Chairperson for the South African Medical Association (SAMA) Dr Angelique Coetzee has stepped down from her role with immediate effect.
This follows just weeks after her controversial radio interview on Cape Talk last month when she expressed her personal opinions relating to admission requirements to medical schools in South Africa.
In the interview, Dr Coetzee said that the admission processes to medical schools were highly politicised, that race played a significant role in determining acceptance to medical faculties, in many instances more than the applicant's matric performance and that different criteria exist for different race groups concerning admission requirements.
On Monday, SAMA issued an apology for the hurt caused by Dr Coetzee's statements, which they called "unfortunate".
SAMA continued by stating that Dr Coetzee's interpretation of the admission requirements was incorrect.
"Entrance to medical schools requires a high level of academic achievement across the board, and all candidates selected for entry into medical school are chosen inter alia on merit and ability", it said.
Dr Coetzee, who apologised unreservedly for her remarks, will stay on as an ordinary board member of SAMA.
The current Vice-Chairperson of the SAMA Board, Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa, will assume the role of Interim Chairperson while the Board contemplates Dr Coetzee’s permanent replacement.
