Academic freedom on the line: a timeline of the controversy
Saturday May 17: In an article on News24, Glenda Gray criticises the government’s lockdown strategy as unscientific, saying: “Why have experts if you don’t care what they think?”
Acting director-general of health Anban Pillay attacks Gray publicly, saying she is not an expert on lockdowns.
Saturday night: The Covid-19 ministerial advisory committee questions Gray and other outspoken scientists at a meeting described as being like the Spanish Inquisition.
Sunday May 18: Prominent scientists criticise the lockdown strategy in the Sunday Times. Wednesday May 20: Health minister Zweli Mkhize attacks Gray in a press release.
Thursday May 21: Pillay writes to the Medical Research Council (MRC) board, asking it to investigate Gray’s conduct.
Thursday evening: Gray meets the board to discuss the article. After that she speaks to the minister, to explain to him exactly what she meant and to reaffirm her respect for him and his work. Friday May 22: The board distances itself from Gray, places the MRC under media lockdown and agrees to investigate Gray.
Friday evening: The board chair informs Gray that she needs to work with the acting directorgeneral to put something on paper.
Saturday May 23 & Sunday May 24: She crafts a letter to clarify a statement she made on child malnutrition and explain what she meant in the article. Her letter is rejected, and a counter letter is given to her. She does not agree to sign this. Sunday evening: President Cyril Ramaphosa speaks out and says that there is an appreciation of the diverse and challenging views of scientists and health professionals and these views are respected. Almost 250 scientists and professionals sign a petition in defence of Gray and academic freedom of speech, calling for “open engagement on alternative views”.
Monday May 25: The Academy of Science of SA stands up for the principle of academic freedom of speech and supports Gray.
Tuesday May 26: Jerome Singh, Adam Habib and Jonathan Jansen write an editorial in the South African Medical Journal: “Freedom of speech and public interest, not allegiance, should underpin science and advisement to government”.
Gray is informed that the MRC board has dropped its investigation into her conduct.
She thanks them for acting with “the requisite urgency” and affirms her commitment to contribute to the national effort against Covid-19.