Med school scandal, a blot on the Indian community

SOUTH Africa is one of the most corrupt places on the planet. Transparency international ranks the country 64th out of 175.

So it’s no surprise that UKZN, once a great place of learning, has succumbed to corruption. But the buying of places at the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine has been going on for a long time.

As it was done secretly, it was hard to get to the bottom of it and nab the culprits. Great undercover work by the Sunday Tribune exposed this corrupt practice and we must condemn it in strong terms. It tarnishes the great image of Nelson Mandela. Perhaps the medical school should be renamed?

But what is the underlying cause? The iniquitous quota system based primarily on colour that discriminates heavily against Indian students.

Indian students must have a 90.86% matric pass, while the rate is only 83.16% for blacks. This is discriminatory.

But it could be argued that had the university not imposed quotas, every student in the medical school would be Indian.

Greedy, crooked members of the community have resorted to underhand means to beat the unfair system. Outstanding investigative journalism by the Sunday Tribune blew the cover of the syndicate selling places at the medical school.

Two suspects are the husband and wife who own Little Gujarat while the other is a medically boarded teacher from Chatsworth.

Like the Guptas, the Bhatts are recent immigrants who saw an opportunity to make money in our country. From selling bunnies, they allegedly graduated to selling places at the medical school.

Did the teacher see an opportunity to boost her retirement lifestyle?

With high demand and limited places at the medical school, it’s alleged R250000 was charged for admission to the health sciences faculty and a staggering R500000 for a place in medicine.

That was not all. Exam question and answer papers were also allegedly sold for R30 000.

Parents keen for their children to become doctors coughed up.

Respected psychologist Anand Ramphall cited several reasons: “Parents push kids to become doctors” (Sunday Tribune, May 14) but left out the crucial factor of status, which Indians love.

It’s not surprising some parents will resort to any means to make their children successful. And if they are stinking rich, they will bribe to get what they want.

They even try to bribe God for a place in heaven, so why not a place in medical school for their children?

Whatever the case, if Varsha and Hiteshkumar Bhatt and Preshni Hiramun are found guilty of this despicable crime, they must get an appropriate sentence that will deter others. It’s an ugly blot on the Indian community.

And what of the other culprits, corrupt university officials? T MARKANDAN

Silverglen