Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has endorsed controversial responses to Aids

The Democratic Alliance had objected to Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's support for a doctor who encouraged HIV patients to shun anti-retroviral drugs. The Health Professions Council of South Africa said the minister had not acted wrongly in her capacity as a doctor.

South Africa's government has been criticised for not promoting ARV drugs, which inhibit the onset of Aids.

HPC spokesman Tendai Dhliwayo said two complaints were lodged against Ms Tshabalala-Msimang, who is also a professional doctor.

Treatments

The first was about the minister's endorsement of a product promoted by German doctor Matthias Rath, which he claimed was a treatment for HIV.

The second complaint was in connection with the minister encouraging people to stop taking ARVs and use traditional medicine instead.

"The Committee of Preliminary Inquiry met yesterday and noted the minister's explanation," Mr Dhliwayo told the BBC News Website.

"They did not find any prima facie evidence to suggest that the minister acted unprofessionally in her capacity as medical practitioner.

"As regulatory body for health professionals, the HPCSA only has jurisdiction over the minister as far as her conduct in the capacity of medical practitioner goes."

South Africa is believed to have the largest number of HIV-positive people in the world. A recent government study suggested that more than six million of South Africa's 40 million people are infected with HIV.