18 Gauteng students head to Cuba to study medicine

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) will send 18 young people from disadvantaged communities across the province to Cuba to pursue medical studies through the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Training Programme.

The new cohort comprises 10 males and eight females from all five Gauteng districts: Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.

The programme aims to provide talented young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds with opportunities to study medicine and eventually contribute to Gauteng’s public healthcare system, particularly in underserved communities.

The recruitment process, advertised in May 2025, attracted 2,480 applications. After online screening, 740 applicants met the qualifying criteria, with 91 shortlisted based on academic performance, socio-economic circumstances and their potential contribution to healthcare.

The shortlisted candidates came from households earning R350,000 or less annually, with priority given to learners from Quintile 1 to 3 schools.

Following home visits, interviews and background assessments, 18 candidates were selected. The department said the successful students demonstrated both academic potential and a commitment to returning to South Africa to serve their communities.

Since the programme began, 463 students have graduated and are now employed at public healthcare facilities across Gauteng.

The Cuban curriculum places strong emphasis on primary healthcare, prevention and health promotion, aligning with South Africa’s healthcare priorities.

The department said the latest cohort would help strengthen the province’s future pool of doctors and contribute to improved healthcare access, particularly in areas experiencing shortages of medical professionals.