Dr Sandile Qwabe from New Castle in KwaZulu-Natal dresses differently from the societal standards of how medical doctors are supposed to present themselves and is a jolly man who has won the hearts of many South Africans with his funny Tik-Tok videos. Dr Qwabe, a surgeon, is more or less a pantsula and has incorporated his kasi look to his profession.He has set tongues wagging with how happy and lighthearted he appears to be in most of his videos. However, not everyone is impressed with him, and they claim that he is bringing his profession into disrepute and breaking the code of conduct. 

SOCIAL MEDIA DIVIDED

?Although Dr Qwabe received backlash for his videos, some believe that it doesn't hinder him from doing his actual job. They say he's just a happy soul who lights up the room, helping his patients forget about their pain. Social media was abuzz with comments:

@RealSiya said: "What has the doctor done which is unprofessional? Have his patients complained about his work, we are humans after all not robots should let the good Doctor have fun so that he rubs it off to his patients. I don't understand how black people can be so against each other, Dr Qwabe is been judged for who he is, For representing Black Excellence to be even reported HPCSA his not living to what Whites want him to be. He's good at his work and praised yet discriminated by his very own, "he added. 

@Lonwabo Gee wrote: "Aw ,already y'all have crucified Dr Qwabe just cause he promotes being happy, he didn't break any rules y'all.. just evil hearted beings for this.Just cause he isn't posting fancy food while wearing spectacles in a fancy restaurant...with a tucked in white shirt."

@911Minion said :" I know this doctor, he helped me with a critical patient this weekend. He is at the top of his game. We as Healthcare Workers need some fun on the job, it helps us process the bad things we see. It's our way of dealing with stress. Great job Doctor!" 

Some social media users claim that Dr Qwabe's behaviour is unacceptable and it is bringing shame to his profession. Dr Qwabe casually smokes in some of his videos and he was dragged for not setting a good example because he is expected to promote a healthy lifestyle.

@Nonku said:" Disrespect. Fun is for when work is done, this is not the way a professional act on the job.

@Siyauyazi said:" Medical professionals should conduct themselves in a manner befitting of the profession they represent; being a doctor is akin to being a god. Dr Qwabe should be reprimanded strongly."

HPCSA DOESN'T REGULATE DOCTORS DRESS CODE

Speaking to The Sowetan, the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) said it does not regulate how doctors dress or their lifestyle. "The HPCSA does not regulate how its registered practitioners dress or their lifestyle. We only regulate their work-related code of conduct with the sole purpose of guiding the profession to protect the public,' HPCSA spokesperson Christopher Tsatsawane is quoted saying. Tsatsawane added that it was uncommon for people to complain about medical practitioner's dress codes, and it has no bearing on their professional life.