Know Your Exco

Dr Pitso’s leadership journey began during his medical studies at the Cienfuegos Faculty of Medical Sciences in Cuba. He served as Chairperson of the Students’ Representative Council for South Africans during the 2004/2005 and 2005/2006 academic years. He also served as the fifth-year representative for South African students in Cuba and participated in Cuba’s Federación Estudiantil Universitaria from 2003 to 2006.

Following his studies, he continued representing Cuban-trained South Africans at the University of Cape Town between 2006 and 2008.

These early experiences provided a foundation in representation, collaboration and service — values that remain relevant to his contribution to CAASA today.

Dr Pitso’s professional journey spans clinical practice, hospital management and public health leadership. After completing his internship between 2008 and 2010, he served as a Community Service Medical Officer and subsequently as a Grade 1 Medical Officer.

From 2013 to 2026, he served as a Clinical Manager. During his career, he also acted as a Hospital Chief Executive Officer for almost seven years, a District Occupational Health and Wellness Coordinator for one year, and a District Director for approximately 18 months. He has served on various committees within the Department of Health.

His academic development includes a medical degree through his training in Cuba and the University of Cape Town, a Monitoring and Evaluation Certificate, an Advanced Management Development Programme Certificate, and an ASELPH Fellowship Master of Public Health from the University of Fort Hare. He was also a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow, undertaking the Public Management track at Florida International University in the United States.

Dr Pitso holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Medicine from Stellenbosch University and is currently pursuing a Master of Medicine degree in Occupational Medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He currently works at Victoria Mxenge as a Registrar in Occupational Medicine.

Dr Pitso’s contribution to the Cuban alumni community extends beyond his student leadership years. From 2018 to 2026, he served as Chairperson of the North West Cuban Alumni Association, providing provincial leadership and contributing to the development of the alumni community.

As Vice Chairperson of CAASA, he brings this experience into the association’s national leadership structure at a time when connection, communication, member participation and organisational development are important to the association’s growth.

At the centre of Dr Pitso’s vision is a powerful statement:

“My vision for CAASA is for it to be successfully shaped by our commonalities in diversity.”

This vision recognises that CAASA’s strength lies in its ability to bring together people with different experiences, professional interests, perspectives and aspirations, while remaining united by their shared connection to Cuba and their common alumni journey.

Unity does not require everyone to think alike or follow identical paths. Rather, it requires an environment where differences are respected, members are encouraged to participate, and collective interests guide the work of the organisation.

Our diversity gives us a range of skills and perspectives. Our commonalities provide the foundation upon which meaningful relationships and collective progress can be built.

For CAASA, this means creating opportunities for members to connect across provinces, disciplines and career stages; encouraging collaboration; strengthening a sense of belonging; and ensuring that the association reflects the interests and aspirations of its membership.

The success of CAASA depends on more than its leadership structures. It depends on members who participate, contribute ideas, support one another and take ownership of the association’s future.

Dr Pitso’s vision invites us to recognise the value of our shared history while embracing the different strengths each member brings to the community.

As Vice Chairperson, his contribution forms part of a broader collective effort to build a stronger, more connected and inclusive association.

Through Know Your EXCO, CAASA celebrates the people behind its leadership and the values that inform their service.