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The IFP calls on the KZN MEC of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo to urgently
investigate the allegations of nepotism in the selection of medical students
going to Cuba on the Expanded Medical Training Programme, after one of the
applicants from Newcastle was denied at the eleventh hour to board a flight at
King Shaka International Airport.

"The applicant, Mr Siyabonga Mwelase was told that he is not allowed to board a
flight to Cuba because he is suffering from a liver related disease which is in
contradiction with the information contained in the medical doctor's certificate
which gives him a clean bill of health thus qualifying him to be part of this
programme. This is a clear indication that many young aspirant students could
have missed out on the opportunity to fulfil their dreams due to nepotism in the
selection of students. This matter must be investigated urgently," said IFP
Spokesperson on Health, Mrs Ncamisile Nkwanyana,MPL.

"We condemn this in the strongest possible terms because this country is in dire
need of medical professionals especially in the rural areas. This young man has
missed a great opportunity in his life time and to work for his country once he
has completed his studies. If the MEC fails to attend to this matter, this will
discourage other parents and students to participate in Expanded Medical
Training Programme," concluded Mrs Nkwanyana.

The IFP demands that the MEC must make sure that Siyabonga Mwelase does get to
participate in this programme since he has met all the requirements, including
his health status. We want to see him boarding a plane to Cuba and he should not
be forced, as it is alleged, to undertake some course at UKZN that he did not
apply for.

Issued by IFP