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Cuban doctors will be sent to different provinces in South Africa.
More than 200 Cuban doctors must come to South Africa to help fight the coronavirus.
The doctors left on a plane that first brought a donation of medical supplies from South Africa to the Caribbean island, its embassy in Pretoria said.
They are among the 1,200 health workers sent to fight Covid-19 in 22 countries that have asked for help from the communist state.
South Africa will begin to ease tight closure restrictions next month.
More than 1.5 million people will be allowed to return to work, some schools will reopen, hot food deliveries will be allowed, and cigarettes will be re-sold.
But the sale of alcohol and public gatherings will still be banned.
The country, which at one point was following the UK infection curve, has surprised observers at how it has slowed the spread of the virus, says Andrew Harding of the BBC in Johannesburg.
It has recorded 4,361 cases of coronavirus, including 86 deaths.
Special relationship
Cuban doctors, who will arrive in Johannesburg on Sunday night, will be sent to different provinces by the South African Department of Health, said Cuban Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson.
The two countries have close ties as Cuba was instrumental in fighting the white minority government in South Africa, which did not end until 1994 when anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela was elected president.
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Cuba is known for its medical diplomacy, although it has not been without controversy.
The United States government under President Donald Trump urged countries not to accept Cuban medical missions, accusing the country of exploiting its doctors, allegations that Havana denies.
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South Africa has sent protective equipment and other supplies to Cuban health facilities.
Cuba, with 1,337 registered cases of Covid-19 and 51 deaths, has the highest proportion of doctors per population in the world and began preparing for the virus early.
According to Reuters news agency, she is known for her focus on prevention and community-oriented primary health care to combat epidemics.
Coronavirus and Africa:
In South Africa, thousands of community health workers have been examining millions of people for coronaviruses.
Professor Salim Abdool Karimwe, who is leading South Africa’s scientific response to the outbreak, says they have targeted “the most socially vulnerable communities, where this is most likely to spread.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa warned of overconfidence as closure measures slow, saying that infections are likely to peak in August.
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The doctors will arrive in Johannesburg on Sunday night.
Meanwhile, the country is reportedly seeking international financing to help finance a rand package of 500 billion rand ($ 26 billion; £ 21 billion) to cushion the economic impact of the coronavirus.
The government will award new welfare grants to help South Africa’s poorest families, as millions of people have lost their incomes, and aid organizations warn of growing signs of despair.
