A total of 57 students from the University of Villa Clara, received their medical degrees in the IX graduation ceremony of trained doctors in Cuba, organized by the University of Stellenbosch, on behalf of the South African Department of health.
Attending the ceremony were the Deputy Minister of Health of Cuba, Dr. Alfredo Gonzales Lorenzo and his South African counterpart, Dr. Joe Phaahla, who delivered the closing and welcome speeches respectively. Likewise, there were Professor Ida Santana Pérez, rector of the University of Villa Clara, several provincial health directors of South Africa and Iván Ferrer, Charge d'Affaires of the Cuban embassy.
In his opening speech, Dr. Joe Phaahla told the graduates that they had been good ambassadors to South Africa. "We have no doubt that the founders of this program (Nelson Mandela / Fidel Castro) would have been very proud of you," he added.
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, Rodolfo Benitez Verson, wrote in a message sent to the graduates: "Being a doctor is a great responsibility, this profession is not a mere occupation, it is a vocation and a life of service to others. chosen a path that will challenge the limits of their abilities, but will also bring them the greatest satisfaction.They will have opportunities every day to make a positive difference in their country and in the lives of their patients and their families. "
In his welcoming remarks, Professor Stan du Plessis, interim rector of the University of Stellenbosch, expressed gratitude to the governments of South Africa and Cuba for supporting the Mandela-Fidel collaboration program of medical training. He also thanked the people of Cuba for receiving the young South Africans.
"Today is, of course, a very special occasion because students will graduate, he said, but it is significant for another reason: the world celebrates Nelson Mandela's centenary."
The graduates will occupy positions in South African hospitals located in the most remote areas and with the greatest deficit of doctors.
These young people are among the more than 2,000 students who have benefited from the Nelson Mandela / Fidel Castro Medical Cooperation Program between South Africa and Cuba, which began in 1996.