Dr Chandauka said her work at Sentebale had been "guided by the principles of fairness and equitable treatment for all, regardless of social status or financial means".

"There are people in this world who behave as though they are above the law and mistreat people, and then play the victim card and use the very press they disdain to harm people who have the courage to challenge their conduct," she added.

This, she said, was the "story of a woman who dared to blow the whistle about issues of poor governance, weak executive management, abuse of power, bullying, harassment, misogyny, misogynoir – and the coverup that ensued".