Intervention programme: a supported learning programme for educationally disadvantaged students.

The apartheid system of social engineering in South Africa enforced the segregation of racial groups. It lasted for 50 years, and had an impact on every aspect of society. It particularly affected the education system, resulting in inferior primary and secondary teaching of black learners. Ten years after the dissolution of apartheid, the consequences are still being felt in tertiary institutions. This legacy presents a challenge to South African medical schools, especially at a time of curriculum transformation. This paper describes how the issues of social and educational discrepancies are being addressed at the University of Cape Town.