Mthatha, February 5, 2026.- As part of the tour around different provinces of the country, the Cuban ambassador to South Africa, Fakri Rodríguez Pinelo, visited Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape province.
He was received by the university's vice-chancellor and principal, Dr. Thandi Mgwebi, with whom he held a fruitful exchange on the possibilities for cooperation between this institution and Cuban universities. They identified the main areas of interest and agreed on guidelines for joint work going forward, with the aim of diversifying and expanding already existing ties.
The vice-chancellor recognized the work of Cuban collaborators who provide services both at the university and in local hospitals, especially those who have been working for the benefit of the community for more than 20 years. At the same time, she highlighted the importance of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the field of academic training, through which more than 3,200 South Africans have graduated from Cuban universities under the Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro program.
Furthermore, the ambassador exchanged with students at Walter Sisulu University about Cuba's political, economic and social life, as well as the current situation both on the island and in the world, particularly in light of recent threats from the Donald Trump administration.
Engagement with the academic sector remains one of the priorities in relations between our countries, particularly given the enormous potential for mutually beneficial cooperation, which is why this visit to the institution was so relevant.
(Cuban Embassy in South Africa)