A total of 57 graduates from the University of Villa Clara in Cuba received their medical degrees at the 9th Cuban Trained Medical Doctors Graduation Ceremony hosted by Stellenbosch University (SU) on behalf of the South African Department of Health in the Endler Hall, Konservatorium (Conservatoire of Music) at Stellenbosch University (SU) today (17 July). 

These graduates are among more than 800 students who benefitted from the Nelson Mandela/ Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme between South Africa and Cuba that started in 1997. The aim of the programme is to address the shortage of medical practitioners in historically disadvantaged areas as well as to improve human resource workforce capacity and strengthen the health care system in South Africa.

Among the dignitaries at the graduation ceremony were the Cuban Deputy Minister of Public Health, Dr Alfredo Gonzales Lorenzo, the South African Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, who delivered the keynote address, as well as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Villa Clara, Prof Ida Santana Perez and provincial MECs for Health like Dr Gwen Ramokgopa from Gauteng.

In his welcoming remarks, Prof Stan du Plessis, SU's Acting Vice-Chancellor, conveyed a word of gratitude to the governments of South Africa and Cuba for supporting the Nelson Mandela / Fidel Castro Collaboration Programme in medical training. He also thanked the people of Cuba for hosting students from South Africa.

“For the past 14 years, students of this programme have been integrated into Stellenbosch University's MB,ChB programme. We are proud to play our role as a national asset, in partnership with the Department of Health," said Du Plessis.

“Today is, of course, a very special occasion because the participating students will be graduating. But it is significant for another reason – the world is celebrating the Nelson Mandela Centenary".

“Stellenbosch University conferred an honorary doctorate on President Mandela in 1996 for being a symbol of empowerment through learning; an icon of peace and reconciliation through negotiation and an embodiment of justice and humanity.  We will continue to respect this legacy," said Du Plessis.

“In responsibility to the present and future generations, we now commit ourselves to the ideal of an inclusive, world-class university in and for Africa. That is our dream, for we share the conviction held by former President Mandela that 'Education is the great engine of personal development'"

In his keynote speech Phaahla told the graduates that they have been good ambassadors of South Africa. “We have no doubt that the founders of this programme (Nelson Mandela/ Fidel Castro) would've been very proud of you," he added.

The Stellenbosch University Brass Ensemble conducted by Pamela Kierman, and the African Music Ensemble conducted by Ncebakazi Mnukwana entertained guests with variety of African and popular music. The precentor Wendy-Joy Crowley led both the South African and Cuban national anthems.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Rodolfo Benitez Verson, said in a message to the graduates printed in the Graduation Programme: “Being a doctor is a huge responsibility. Your profession is not merely an occupation; it is a vocation and a life of service to others. You have chosen a path that will be challenging you to the limits of your abilities, but also bring you the greatest satisfactions. You will have chances every day to make a positive difference in your country, and the lives of your patients and their families. You will be in a position to touch people's lives at times when they are most vulnerable."

Today's graduates will now take up positions at South African hospitals. Twenty of the 700 students who recently returned from Cuba will join Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences next week for their practical training to complete their medical degrees.