By Eighteen aspiring doctors from historically disadvantaged communities in Gauteng are preparing to embark on a transformative journey to the Republic of Cuba to pursue medical studies under the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Training Programme.
Selected by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), the cohort consists of eight females and 10 males drawn from all five districts of the province: Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and the West Rand. The initiative aims to support youth from underserved backgrounds while building local capacity for primary healthcare delivery.
A Competitive Selection Process
The pathway to selection was highly competitive, reflecting the strong demand for higher education opportunities in South Africa. The recruitment drive, advertised in May 2025, drew 2,480 applications across the province.
Following an online screening, 740 applicants met the basic entry criteria. This group was narrowed down to a shortlist of 91 candidates based on academic merit, socioeconomic standing, and their potential contributions to the health sector.
To ensure the bursaries reached those most in need, eligibility was strictly restricted to candidates from households with an annual income of R350,000 or less, with preference given to learners from Quintile 1 to 3 schools. The final 18 candidates were chosen after undergoing background evaluations, interviews, and home visits.
Strategic Alignment with Healthcare Priorities
The NMFC programme, established to bridge the gap in medical training opportunities, equips students with training focused on Primary Health Care (PHC), disease prevention, and health promotion.
Upon completing their studies in Cuba, the students will return to South Africa to integrate into Gauteng’s public health system. Department officials highlighted that the preventive focus of the Cuban curriculum aligns directly with national healthcare strategies, including the planned implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and ongoing efforts to expand primary care access in rural and township areas.
Since its inception, the NMFC programme has enabled hundreds of students from low-income households to enter the medical field. To date, 463 graduates from the programme are actively practicing within Gauteng’s public healthcare facilities.
The new cohort carries a contractual obligation and a personal commitment to return to South Africa following their training, where they will serve in public health facilities to address regional doctor shortages and improve community health outcomes.
