and Cuba
5 July 2007
The Republic of South Africa (RSA) Cuban Medical Training Programme was
initiated by the South African Ministry of Health through a Bilateral Agreement
in Health Co-operation with the Ministry of Public Health in Cuba that was
signed in 1996. The Ministry's initiative was aimed at affording young and
committed South Africans from previously disadvantaged and rural communities an
opportunity to pursue medical studies in Cuba and to plough back upon
completion by providing services to the underserved and rural communities of
the country.
The emphasis of medical training in Cuba is Primary Health Care (PHC), an
approach that the South African government adopted for the country in 1994 as
the vehicle for health care delivery. The Bilateral Agreement was revised in
2001 to allow South African medical students to return from Cuba after
completion of fifth year medical training to do final clinical year in South
African Medical Schools. The reason for this was to expose the students to the
South African Medical Education and Health Care Systems, disease profile, South
African workload and trauma as compared to that of the Cuban environment and
also allow their families to participate in their graduation ceremony to
celebrate their achievement.
In total, 470 medical students have been recruited through the programme.
Ninety-one doctors have completed through the programme and are serving their
communities in various health facilities throughout the country. The total
number of 91 doctors includes the 41 with whom we are gathered today to
celebrate their achievements.
Seventy-one are currently doing final clinical training and will soon join
the workforce. The injection of medical doctors in the country through this
programme continues to alleviate shortage of health professionals and to
improve access to healthcare for the entire South African population.
Programme
The Academic Procession enters the Hall led by the Chancellor of the
University of Villa Clara, Minister (SA and Cuban), SA Vice Chancellors and
Deans of Faculties of Medicine, MECs, provincial Heads of Health
* Cuban National Anthem
The congregation is invited to join in the singing of the Cuban National
Anthem
* The Chancellor constitutes the Congregation
In terms of the statutes of the University of Villa Clara: Faculties of
Medicine, Sancti Spiritus, Cienfuegos and Santa Clara
* Scripture and Prayer
Pastor: J Bulunga
* Welcome of Guests
The Programme Director, the Interim Dean: Professor S Mokgokong
* Musical Interlude
Medunsa Choir
* Welcoming Address
The Programme Director invites the Guest Speaker, the Honourable Minister: Dr
ME Tshabalala-Msimang to deliver the address
* Oath taking
Led by Prof D Lombard, University of Pretoria
* Conferment of the Cuban Doctor of Medicine Degree: Prof D Lombard
addresses the congregation and informs the Acting chancellor, Prof Ceballos
"Mr Chancellor, the candidates whose names appear in the programme, have
complied with all the requirements and it is my honour to request you to confer
the degree of Doctor of Medicine." The Acting Chancellor, Prof Ceballos touches
his cap in acknowledgement and says: "By virtue of the authority entrusted to
me, I confer the degree of Doctor of Medicine."
Professor Lombard continues to read the names from the card that will be
handed over to him by the candidates. The candidates move towards the Cuban
Ambassador, Mrs E Armenteros who hangs the hood then proceeds to Professor EMQ
Mokhuane and Professor S Rataemane for a handshake and move off the stage to Dr
T Reinoso to receive the degree certificate
* Musical Interlude
Medunsa Choir
* Response on behalf of graduates
Dr LN Pooe
* Concluding Message
Prof R Gonzalez, Deputy Minister of the Republic of Cuba
The Acting Chancellor, Prof Ceballos dissolves the congregation and says:
"By virtue of the authority entrusted to me, I dissolve this congregation of
the University of Villa Clara: Faculties of Medicine, Sancti Spiritus,
Cienfuegos and Santa Clara."
* South African National Anthem
The Choir and Congregation is invited to sing the South African National
Anthem
The Acting Chancellor leads the procession of office bearers from the stage
whilst the Medunsa Choir sings Gaudeamus Igitur.
Conferment of Medical Degree to South African Medical Graduates trained in
Cuba
Bachelor of Medicine
Dlamini, Philisile Pamela
Dlamini, Thandikwazi Theunis
Dlomo, Phumelele P
Fungheni, Euginia Rhulani
Hlapa, Malatjie Charles
Hlatswayo, Mlungisi Daniel
Jacobs, Lee Jean Elizabeth
Kgalaeng, Morontshe Maureen
Khanyile, Bhekumuzi Nhanhla
Koiee, Khantse Confidence
Kubheka, Mphikeleli Naphtally
Mabunda, Robert Godwin
Maleni, Moses Goodman
Masuku, Nhlanhla Jonathan
Matlala, Nkoane Stanley
Matlou, Tebogo Suzan
Mganu, Joseph Lucky
Mhlongo, Nikiwe Snenhlanhla
Mjadu, Londiwe Precious
Mkhwanasi, Nkosinathi
Moobi, Ernest Semakaleng
Myeni, Bonakele Prudence
Mvelase, Mandla Cyprian
Nenzhelele, Nisakisi Lauren
Ngale, Tshepo Cletus
Ngoepe, Mmatlou Kate
Nhleko, Phiwayinkosi Pendant
Nke, Hermina Mmabatho
Nkoliswa, Maggy Nombulelo
Nkomo, Nolitha Naledi
Ntombela, Sibusiso Mbongiseni
Conferment of Medical Degree to South African Medical Graduates trained in
Cuba
Bachelor of Medicine
Nxumalo, Nhlanhla Leonard
Pholoana, Katlego Derick
Pooe, Lesego Nkateko
Potgieter, Hannlie
Powane, Shadrack Herman
Ramanenzhe, Thiemuli
Shasha, Xhaka Kholekile
Shibambo, Giyani Patrick
Thagane, Konkonyane William
Zungu, Bonginkosi Praise God
Gaudeamus Igitur
Gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dum sumus;
Gaudeamus igitur, juvenes dum sumus;
Post jucundam juventutem,
Post molestam senectum,
Nos Habebit humus, nos habebit humus
Ubi sunt qui ante nos in mundo fuere?
Ubi sunt qui ante nos in mundo fuere?
Vadite ad superos, transite ad infers,
Ubi jam fuere, ubi jam fuere
Vita nostra brevis est, brevi finietur;
Vita nostra brevis est, brevi finietur;
Venit mors velociter, rapit nos astrociter,
Nemini parcetur, nemini parcetur
Vivat Academia, vivant Professores
Vivat Academia, vivant Professores
Vivat membrum quodlibet,
Vivant membra quaelibet,
Samper sint in flore, samper sint in flore
South African National Anthem
Nkosi, sikelel, I Afrika
Maluphaka nyisw �u-phondo Lwayo
Yizwa imithandazo yethu
Nkosi sikelela
Thina Lusapholwayo
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyebo
O se boloke
O se boloke
Setjihaba sa heso
Setjihaba sa South Africa, South Africa
Uit die blou van onse hemel
Uit die diepte van ons see
Oor ons ewige gebergtes
Waar die kranse antwoord gee.
Sounds the call to come together
And united we shall stand
Let us live and strive for freedom in
South Africa our land.
Cuban National Anthem
Al combate Corred Bayameses
Que La Patria os Comtempla Orgullosa
No Temais Una Muerte Gloriosa
Que Morir Por La Patria Es Vivir
En Cadenas Vivir Es Vivir
En Afrenta Y Oprobio Sumidos
Del Clarin Escuchad El Sonido
A Las Armas Valientes Corred
Issued by: Department of Health
5 July 2007
