Media statement following a successful visit by Minister Nzimande to the Republic of Cuba

30 Jan 2011

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, accompanied by senior officials of the department, on Friday, concluded a highly successful working visit to the Republic of Cuba, which began on Monday the 24th of January 2011. The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of Higher Education and Training, building on, and expanding the cooperation that has existed between the two countries since the 1994 breakthrough in South Africa.

Minister Nzimande paid a courtesy visit to one of the Vice Presidents of Cuba, HE Mr Jose Ramon Fernandez, had successful meetings with the Minister of Higher Education, HE Mr Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the Vice Minister of Higher Education, Dr Oberto Santin Caceres, and also had an exchange with the Minister of Basic Education HE Dr Ena Elsa Velazquez Cobiella, respectively. The Minister also visited the University of Havana, the Agrarian University of Havana, and two research institutes associated with the Agrarian University, namely the National Centre for Agricultural Health, and the Institute of Animal Science.

Though exploratory, the Minister and his delegation had very fruitful exchanges in all these engagements, on which further work will now be undertaken, leading to the signing of an agreement in the second half of this year. Initial areas of cooperation that have been identified are:

• Teacher Education
• Veterinary Sciences
• Languages Studies (ie the teaching of Spanish and African Studies in SA and Cuba respectively)
• Models for expanding access to Higher Education, based on the Cuban model of Municipal University Campuses
• Promotion and expansion of relations, research and co-operation between South African and Cuban universities.

This visit by Minister Nzimande follows a very successful state visit by President Zuma in December, and sought to build on it, within the area of Higher Education and Training. Throughout the visit, Minister Nzimande was very heartened by the warm reception from all levels of the Cuban Government, and the determination on both sides to further deepen the relationship, which spans many years, including during the dark days of apartheid.

Minister Nzimande was very impressed with the achievements of Cuba in higher education. Since the triumph of the Cuban revolution in 1959, Cuba has to date produced over 1 million university graduates, and has grown the number of universities from 3 in 1959 to 69 by 2010. Part of this success is attributable to the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Higher Education in 1976 and the expansion of university education through the establishment of a university campus at each and every one of the Cuban municipalities.

Indeed Minister Nzimande conveyed to the Cubans the unwavering support and solidarity of the South African government with the Cuban government and people, and our desire to continue working with the rest of the world for the lifting of the illegal and universally condemned blockade against Cuba.

Statement issued by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, January 30 2011

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