Picture: (Taung-born doctor, Dimpho Moepeng)

By BAKANG MOKOTO

Dimpho Moepeng (24) is in a process of become a medical doctor after she embarked on the Mandela/ Fidel Castro Collaboration Programme studying medicine in Cuba. Moepeng, who spent six years in Cuba, said it was worth it even though there were challenges along the way.

“I am grateful that I made it thus far. We had extraordinary moments of fear, anxiety, and doubt because of the environment we found ourselves in. Imagine just a village girl like me from Rooiwal village in Taung found herself in a foreign country with different life-style altogether.

“It was a bit challenging to adapt to the environment. We had to learn to speak the Spanish language as no one spoke English there except those who come from English-speaking countries like South Africa,” she said.

Moepeng said she applied for the Cuban programme through the North West Health department after she passed her matric with flying colours at the Batlhaping High School back in 2011.

“I always wanted to become a medical doctor and being around my sick grandmother impelled that dream. I also wanted to contribute to assist sick people and give them hope. Remember that, medicine bridges the gap between science and society.

“In most cases, you will find long queues at our public healthcare centres especially in far-flung areas like Taung,” Moepeng said.

She said the Cuban programme is necessary for primary healthcare. Moepeng said almost the whole world is in Cuba studying medicine.

“So, I would like to encourage those aspiring students to study harder. There are many challenges along the way as some of our fellow students passed away, while others were diagnosed and became psychopathic.

“You are going to experience various challenges in Cuba including the food, weather, language and life-style. However, it is possible through discipline, dedication and determination. I left South Africa while I was only 17 and imagine being in a foreign country all by myself?” she said.

Buoyed Moepeng said she learnt to pull herself together and reminded herself why she was in Cuba in the first place. She said it was difficult to cope after her two family members past away and she could not come to their funerals.

“It is imperative to have support from family members. So, my grandmother, Mathuso Moepeng, my mother, Ntebogeng Tharipe and Boipelo Lecwe whom I regard as my father that I never had were always there for me. I also want to commend my friends who were there for me when I needed them most.

“South African embassy in Cuba was also helpful towards us while we were there. I will continue with my studies at Wits University to finish my course. We will embark on an 18-months programme before we could graduate,” she said.

Moepeng said she would like to specialise on cardiothoracic surgery. She said a journey worth 1000 miles begins with only one step.

“Young people should draw inspiration from that. We have many challenges facing our youth in a daily basis like teenage pregnancy, HIV and Aids, alcohol and drug abuse, crime and unemployment.

“However, we need to be responsible and ensure that we become better leaders of tomorrow. I finished my matric at high school back in 2011 and applied for various universities. Unfortunately I could not secure bursary and registration fee was also too expensive, but I never gave up,” she said.

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