‘No Nobel Prizes, just send food’: Cuba-based SA students in dire situation
The irony in this one is strong – and extremely frustrating. The government is trying to coordinate a response for South African medical students currently based in Cuba, after they raised the alarm about the ‘dire conditions’ they are living in. The Nelson Mandela-Fidel Castro Medical Collaboration Programme has not gone to plan – and that’s putting it mildly.
SA student doctors ‘facing hard times in Cuba’
Some of the best and brightest students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds in Mzansi were given an opportunity to study in Cuba on full scholarships. However, their Central American dream has turned into a nightmare. Chronic problems are plaguing this cohort of youngsters – who are now relying on the provision of supplies from SA military planes.
The students have been blindsided by the doubling of food prices in the socialist country, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic hit their shores. ‘Terrible living conditions’ and ‘no access to sanitary items’ have pushed these future doctors to the edge – and the ANC’s best idea to resolve this crisis has been savaged by critics.
Students ask for help – but the ANC plan isn’t popular
The DA took part in a mini-plenary sitting, regarding Cuban doctors in South Africa, which also featured representatives from the Department of Health (DoH). After the opposition party detailed their findings, the government ministry confirmed that they have asked parents ‘to fill suitcases full of goods’, which can be transported to the island by a military flight.
It’s a bit of a facepalm, though… these students are from poverty-stricken communities. The practicalities of getting families to purchase a suitcase, fill it up with essentials, and then send it overseas have clearly not been considered by the ANC. Haseena Ismael, an MP who features on the Portfolio Committee for Health, is apoplectic with the entire situation:
DA fuming with ‘SA medical students situation’ in Cuba
“These students largely come from unprivileged and poor backgrounds. Many come from poor families who would not have the necessary funds to fill a 23kg back for their child, who so desperately needs these crucial items. This request is therefore unfair and seemingly an attempt by government to shift the responsibility away from itself.”
“Instead of spending more money on a programme that does not adequately prepare medical students for South African realities, maybe government should use this money to invest into more and better medical institutions at home.”
A Nobel Prize for their doctors, destitution for ours…
The treatment of South African (student) doctors in Cuba represents a far cry from the ‘red-carpet’ service given to Cuban doctors in SA, by the way. Hundreds of medics from the nation were welcomed with open arms last year, as they arrived to help the government fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Cyril Ramaphosa even nominated them for a Nobel Peace Prize…
But what do our youngsters get? There will be no trophies for them. In fact, they’ll be lucky to get a suitcase half-full of anything at this rate. The students are struggling, and more needs to be done to help them in their learning environment.
The treatment @HealthZA is giving to SA Medical students in Cuba is absurd.
— Manciphana (@NkwaliThabo) March 17, 2021
How do they expect "disadvantaged" parents to send their kids medication and toiletries before 26 March 2021?
Such short notice?
Who got paid by then?
Where do they expect the money to come from?
No comments: