Penguin Random House SA acted swiftly yesterday to withdraw Dr Vejay Ramlakan’s book as legal action looms. The Star reports this came after the executors of Nelson Mandela’s estate – Justice Dikgang Moseneke, Advocate George Bizos and Judge Themba Sangoni – stepped in to consider laying a complaint with the Health Professions Council of SA (HPCSA) and the SANDF.

They argued that Ramlakan broke the patient-doctor confidentiality laws and invaded the late statesman’s privacy. Penguin Random House made a U-turn after last week’s assertion by the publisher that they would not withdraw the book. But yesterday, the publisher said this was done out of respect for the Mandela family. His widow, Graça Machel, had threatened to haul the publishers to court if the book went on sale.

The book – Mandela’s Last Years – was written by Mandela’s physician, Ramlakan, detailing Mandela’s final moments before he died. In a statement, the publisher's Surita Joubert said: ‘The book was meant to portray Nelson Mandela’s courage and strength up to the very end of his life and was in no way intended to be disrespectful. ‘However, given the statements from his family members, we have decided to withdraw the book.’

The report notes if Machel and Madiba’s executors pursue the legal route, Ramlakan could be struck off the roll if he loses the case.

Full report in The Star (subscription needed)

The Mandela family has welcomed the withdrawal of the book by the publishers – but wants to know who the family member was who allegedly gave the author permission to write it, notes a TimesLIVE report. ‘We are told that some member of the Mandela family was consulted by the author but remain entirely unaware of this. We would like to appeal in the interest of transparency that the name of the family member be disclosed so that we may verify and deal with this matter‚’ Mandla Mandela‚ grandson of Nelson Mandela‚ said.

Full TimesLIVE report

The executors of Madiba’s estate say they will still take steps against Ramlakan, Beeld reports. Moseneke, Sangoni and George Bizos SC said some of the revelations in the book were unlawful and offended the patient-doctor relationship. The Nelson Mandela Foundation has said it is still studying the contents of the book, but already identified two factual errors.

Full Beeld report (subscription needed)