-Staff Writer / Fri, 16 Jan 2026
Thirty young school pupils from the North West have jetted off to Cuba to study medicine under the Nelson Mandela–Fidel Castro Medical Programme, as the province intensifies efforts to address the shortage of doctors in rural communities.
North West Health MEC Sello Lehari officially bid farewell to the learners during a send-off ceremony held at the Radisson Hotel in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, attended by senior management of the Department of Health.
“Your selection into this programme is not accidental. You were chosen because of your academic excellence and your potential to change lives,” Lehari said, reminding the pupils that they would be ambassadors of both the province and the country.
The learners, drawn from rural and historically disadvantaged communities across the province’s four districts, were urged to remain focused, disciplined and committed to their studies.
Lehari emphasised that the NMFC Medical Programme was established to address the shortage of medical doctors in underserved areas and called on the pupils to return home after completing their training.
“Do not forget where you come from. The communities you leave behind are the same communities that will welcome you back. You must return and serve where the need is greatest,” he said.
Last year, the North West sent 31 students to Cuba to pursue medical studies, while 30 learners were successfully placed in the programme this year, reflecting the department’s continued commitment to building a sustainable pipeline of doctors.
Programme coordinator for the Cuban Medical Scholarship, Ouma Kgori, said the selection process was rigorous, with hundreds of applications received from across the four districts.
“This was a difficult process, but we are confident that those selected meet the criteria and will represent the province well,” Kgori said.
Acting Deputy Director-General for Hospitals and Specialised Services, Professor Binu Luke, reaffirmed the department’s commitment to strengthening the health system through human resource development.
“The department is producing doctors for our communities, and you are part of that commitment. You must be ready to return and work in our hospitals where patients need you the most,” Luke said.
The NMFC Medical Programme, rooted in the historic partnership between South Africa and Cuba, continues to play a critical role in improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
Lehari concluded by thanking departmental officials, organisers and parents for their support and wished the learners a safe journey and success in their studies.
News Junction (Gold Standard)
