ON Friday, 8 July, 594 students filled the University of Pretoria Mamelodi campus hall to receive their medicine qualifications.
The doctors were trained through Cuban universities as part of the Nelson Mandela/Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme.
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla led the ceremony. He congratulated the Cuban government and students.
Phaahla said the aim of the programme was to ease the shortage of doctors in Mzansi, especially in historically disadvantaged communities and to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
Phaahla told students he was proud they made sacrifices to study in Cuba so they could come back and serve the country. “We appreciate your hard work and determination,” he said.
Dr Alina Mokgadi said spending six years in a foreign country and learning their language was not easy. “This is a proud moment for everyone and we’re ready to serve,” she said.
