Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has announced that it is sending 18 aspiring doctors to study in Cuba.
Announcing the move on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, department said it was “proud to send 18 talented young recruits from disadvantaged communities across the province to pursue medical studies in the Republic of Cuba through the prestigious Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro (NMFC) Medical Training Programme”.
The cohort comprises 10 males and eight females drawn from all five districts of Gauteng, namely Tshwane, Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and the West Rand.
“These aspiring doctors represent the province’s commitment to investing in young people from historically disadvantaged backgrounds and creating opportunities for them to realise their dreams of becoming healthcare professionals,” the department said.
“Upon completion of their studies, the students will join Gauteng’s growing pool of medical practitioners, contributing to improved access to quality healthcare services, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
“Their training will also support the ongoing strengthening of Primary Health Care services and the future implementation of the National Health Insurance, helping to build a more equitable healthcare system for all.”
The department said the recruitment process, which was advertised in May 2025 attracted 2 480 applications from Gauteng
“Following a comprehensive online screening process, 740 applicants met the qualifying criteria and progressed to the next stage,” the department said.
“From this pool, 91 candidates were shortlisted based on academic performance, socioeconomic circumstances and their potential to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.
“The shortlisted candidates came from households with an annual income of R350 000 or less.”
The department revealed that learners from Quintile 1 to 3 schools in Gauteng were guven priority ensuring that the programme continues to expand access to higher education opportunities for young people who may otherwise face financial barriers to studying medicine.
Following rigorous assessments, including home visits, interviews and background evaluations, 18 candidates were ultimately selected.
Throughout the process, emphasis was placed not only on academic excellence but also on candidates’ commitment to serving their communities and improving healthcare outcomes in South Africa.
Successful candidates demonstrated a strong commitment to returning to serve the country and applying the knowledge and skills acquired through the programme to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly in areas where shortages of healthcare professionals remain a challenge.
Since the inception of the NMFC programme, the Gauteng Department of Health has supported hundreds of deserving young people to access medical education opportunities that may otherwise have been beyond their reach.
To date, 463 students have graduated through the programme and are now employed across Gauteng’s public healthcare facilities, where they are making a meaningful contribution to patient care and service delivery.
The Cuban medical training curriculum places a strong emphasis on Primary Health Care, prevention and health promotion, aligning closely with South Africa’s healthcare priorities.
Graduates return with valuable expertise that strengthens community-based healthcare services and supports government efforts to reduce the burden of disease through preventative interventions.
The NMFC programme continues to transform lives while strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
The programme empowers talented students from disadvantaged backgrounds to become medical doctors while equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to serve the people of South Africa.
Many of the graduates are already making a significant impact in public healthcare facilities across Gauteng, said the department, adding that it was confident that this new cohort will continue that legacy of “service and excellence”.
