A new cohort of 18 young people from disadvantaged communities in Gauteng has been selected to study medicine in Cuba through the controversial Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Training Programme, reports the Cape Times.
The students – 10 males and eight females – were selected after a competitive recruitment process that attracted 2 480 applications when it was advertised in May 2025.
Of those, 740 met the qualifying criteria and progressed to the next stage, while 91 candidates were shortlisted based on academic performance, socio-economic circumstances and their potential contribution to the healthcare sector.
Only 18 were ultimately selected after home visits, interviews and background evaluations.
The Gauteng Department of Health said the programme was intended to create access to medical education for talented young people who may otherwise face financial barriers.
Candidates had to come from households with an annual income of R350 000 or less, with priority given to learners from Quintile 1 to 3 schools.
The department said the selection process considered more than academic performance, with candidates also assessed on their commitment to returning to South Africa and serving their communities.
The students are expected to return to Gauteng after completing their studies and join the state’s health sector, particularly in communities where shortages of doctors remain a challenge.
The Cuban medical curriculum places strong emphasis on Primary Health Care, prevention and health promotion, which the department said aligns with South Africa’s healthcare priorities.
It said 463 students have already graduated through the NMFC programme and are working in public healthcare facilities in the province.
Cape Times article – 18 students join Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro medical programme (Open access)
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