The Cuban Alumni Association of South Africa (CAASA) brings together professionals from various disciplines who are proud graduates of Cuban Universities. Among them, the majority are a product of the historic Cuban-South African Medical Training Program locally known as the Nelson Mandela / Fidel Castro Collaboration Program (NMFC). Following negotiations between former presidents Fidel Castro of Cuba and Nelson Mandela of South Africa, an initial cohort of South African medical students primarily from underprivileged backgrounds were sent to Cuba in 1996. To date, over 3100 graduates have trained through this program resulting in a significant addition to the pool of South African doctors. This visionary collaboration between South Africa and Cuba aimed to address South Africa’s critical shortage of medical practitioners, particularly in underserved rural areas.

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Under this program, South African students were given the unique opportunity to study medicine in Cuba, a country renowned for its robust primary healthcare system and a community-focused approach to medicine. However, the journey was not without its challenges. For many students, learning Spanish became a foundational task, as all instruction was conducted in the language. Adapting to a foreign climate, unfamiliar cuisine, and the cultural nuances of a distant land tested their resilience and determination. Yet, these challenges shaped graduates into versatile, culturally competent doctors who are now making significant contributions to South Africa's healthcare landscape. CAASA was formed with a shared mission to channel this transformative experience into meaningful action.

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Our mission and vision:

​The Cuban Alumni Association of South Africa (CAASA) is a community of Cuban Universities Alumni in South Africa. Our mission is to foster a strong network of Cuban alumni, promote professional development, and contribute to the healthcare sector in South Africa. We aim to uphold the values of community-oriented primary care (COPC), solidarity, collaboration, and continuous learning.

 

Our objectives in healthcare include:

• Contributing positively to the health and well-being of South African citizens.

• Actively collaborating with the government to strengthen healthcare systems.

• Supporting local health facilities through skilled service delivery.

• Driving impactful medical research and innovation.

• Promoting personal and professional development among our members.​

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Through our collective efforts, CAASA remains committed to building a healthier South Africa while honouring the enduring legacy of the Cuban-South African partnership in medical training.