Lentswe, Potchefstroom - The future of the NWU’s Desmond Tutu School of Medicine was further consolidated with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the university and the NW Department of Health. This signing took place on Tuesday June 24 in Potchefstroom. “It is a privilege to be able to celebrate another milestone in the establishment of our medical school,” said Prof Awie Kotzé, executive dean of the Faculty of Health
Sciences.
“It has been a long journey to reach this point, and this collaboration promises a long and successful future for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.”
Prof Beth Engelbrecht, governance lead of the medical school, noted that this date would be remembered as a significant moment in the school’s history.
“Today is a momentous occasion. Thirty years ago, on 24 June 1995, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup for the first time, and today we are once again making history with the signing. Right now, there are Grade 10 learners who will be able to apply for enrolment at the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine in 2028.”
The Department of Health’s Deputy Director-General, Polaki Mokatsane, expressed his gratitude to the key stakeholders who made the occasion possible, saying that the signing symbolises a deepening of trust between all parties involved.
“The signing will propel the department and the province forward, and I am thrilled by the opportunities that this partnership will bring,” he said.
The medical school’s project lead, Prof Binu Luke, echoed the sentiments of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, remarking that “healing is not just about science; it is also about the human touch” and that “we must never lose sight of our deep connection to others”.
The MEC for Health, Sello Lehari, stated that the signing marks the formalisation of a shared vision, emphasising the compelling need for a medical school in the province. He described the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine as a game changer.
“The medical school will translate research into real-world solutions. It will bring hope, dignity, and the right to quality healthcare to the province.”
NWU Council Chairperson Bert Sorgdrager also reflected on a historic moment, saying: “Today, the university and the province crossed an administrative Rubicon. There is no turning back now.”
