On their way to study in Cuba

Five learners from different villages in the Lephalale area have been awarded the Fidel Castro-Nelson Mandela medical scholarship and will soon be on their way to study medicine in Cuba. This collaboration with Cuba forms part of the South African government’s drive to address the critical shortage of medical doctors in the country, particularly in rural areas.
Mpho Ratsoma, Thapelo Motadi, Violet Masekoameng, Mary Motebele and James Sefufula are all local residents who recently graduated from schools such as Molautsi Secondary School, Mananye High School and Letupu High School. They will form part of a group of 110 learners from Limpopo who will join many other South African students at Medical training facilities in Cuba.
The students were congratulated by the mayor of Lephalale, Jack Maeko last week. He told the learners to continue in the legacy of both former presidents Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro.
“Theirs is a legacy of self-sacrifice to serve their communities. Your legacy is to come back after you have completed your studies and serve the people in the villages where you come from. Grab this opportunity, as education brings economic freedom,” he added.
One of the parents, Kefilwe Motadi the mother of Thapelo Motadi told representatives of the Municipality and the Department of Health that they as parents are grateful for this opportunity. She thanked the ANC government under the legacy of Nelson Mandela for giving their children a chance for a better future and an opportunity to represent and serve their communities.
One of the students, Mary Motebele told the gathering that they will do their best not to disappoint their parents and their communities. “We are coming back with the knowledge to serve our community as best we can,” she said.
The students will study in Cuba for six years and then do a final internship year in South Africa. The Cuban healthcare system is respected worldwide and is seen as a model for developing countries. It is especially their achievements in primary healthcare and proactive disease prevention in large rural populations that ensures excellent training for South African medical students.