Gauteng Dispatches 18 Future Doctors to Pursue Studies in Cuba
Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has revealed it will be sending 18 promising medical students to study in Cuba.
On Tuesday, 1 September 2026, the department announced its pride in sending these 18 gifted young individuals from underprivileged communities throughout the province to engage in medical studies in Cuba via the esteemed Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Training Programme.
The selected group includes 10 males and eight females hailing from all five districts of Gauteng: Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and the West Rand.
“These future doctors symbolize the province’s dedication to nurturing young talent from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and providing pathways for them to fulfill their aspirations of becoming healthcare professionals,” the department stated.
“After completing their education, these students will join Gauteng’s expanding cadre of medical professionals, enhancing access to quality healthcare services, especially in underserved and rural communities.
“Their education will further bolster the ongoing enhancement of Primary Health Care services and aid in the future rollout of the National Health Insurance, contributing to the establishment of a more equitable healthcare system for everyone.”
The department noted that the recruitment campaign, which was announced in May 2025, garnered a remarkable 2,480 applications from Gauteng.
“After a thorough online screening, 740 candidates satisfied the eligibility criteria and advanced to the subsequent phase,” the department explained.
“From this group, 91 individuals were shortlisted based on their academic achievements, socioeconomic status, and potential contributions to the healthcare field.
“Those shortlisted came from families with an annual income of R350,000 or less.”
The department disclosed that priority was given to students from Quintile 1 to 3 schools in Gauteng, ensuring that the programme expands access to higher education opportunities for young individuals who may face financial obstacles to studying medicine.
Following thorough assessments, including home visits, interviews, and background checks, 18 candidates were finally chosen.
The selection process prioritized not only academic merit but also the candidates’ dedication to serving their communities and enhancing healthcare outcomes in South Africa.
The successful candidates exhibited a strong commitment to returning to South Africa and applying their newly acquired knowledge and skills to bolster healthcare delivery, especially in zones facing a shortage of healthcare professionals.
Since the launch of the NMFC programme, the Gauteng Department of Health has helped hundreds of deserving youth gain entry into medical training programmes that would otherwise have been inaccessible.
So far, 463 students have graduated from the programme and are now actively working in Gauteng’s public healthcare sector, making valuable contributions to patient care and service delivery.
The medical training curriculum in Cuba emphasizes Primary Health Care, prevention, and health promotion, which aligns closely with South Africa’s healthcare priorities.
Graduates return equipped with essential knowledge that enhances community healthcare services and supports government initiatives aimed at alleviating disease burdens through preventive measures.
The NMFC programme continues to change lives while reinforcing the healthcare system in the country.
The initiative empowers gifted students from underprivileged backgrounds to become medical professionals while providing them with the skills necessary to serve the South African populace.
Many of the graduates are already making a substantial impact in public healthcare facilities across Gauteng, with the department expressing confidence that this new group will uphold the legacy of “service and excellence.”
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