Quote of the week
My colleagues and I often care for patients suffering from hallucinations, prophesying, and claiming to speak with God, among other symptoms—in mental health care, it’s sometimes very difficult to tell apart religious belief from mental illness…. Our conclusions frequently stem from the behaviors we see before us. Take an example of a man who walks into an emergency department, mumbling incoherently. He says he’s hearing voices in his head, but insists there’s nothing wrong with him. He hasn’t used any drugs or alcohol. If he were to be evaluated by mental health professionals, there’s a good chance he might be diagnosed with a psychotic disorder like schizophrenia. But what if that same man were deeply religious? What if his incomprehensible language was speaking in tongues?
Scientific American
Casac statement on Menzi Simelane ruling of SCA
01 December 2011
CASAC notes that the SCA has affirmed the constitutional duty on the President to appoint a fit and proper person to the office of the National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP). The Ginwala Enquiry made adverse comments about the character of Adv Simelane, which the President should have taken into account in considering Adv Simelane’s fitness for office.
The National Prosecuting Authority is a critical organ of state and its integrity and independence should be beyond reproach to ensure public confidence in its ability to act without fear, favour or prejudice.
We trust that the President will now initiate a process that will lead to the appointment of suitable person as the head of the National Prosecuting Authority to restore confidence in this section of the justice system. The judgment of the SCA confirms that the President must exercise his discretion in line with his constitutional obligations.
Ends
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