MAHIKENG MAIL - MAHIKIENG: The North-West University (NWU) honorifically named its medical school the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine on Tuesday this week, following consultation with and receiving the approval of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.
The first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028. The NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. The project is a collaborative effort between the NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders. One of its main aims is to address the severe shortage of healthcare practitioners in the province, while providing a base for the growth of the country’s medical expertise.
NWU Chairperson of Council, Bert Sorgdrager, said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise Archbishop Tutu’s lifelong contributions to the country, but also to create an enduring connection between his legacy and the values, character, and graduate attributes the university seeks to instil in future graduates of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
Dr Mokgokong highlighted South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1 000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1 000. She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address. Prof Tyobeka added that the future of medicine is interconnected, and that the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will play a vital role in shaping it.
“At the foundation of this medical school stand three unwavering pillars: undergraduate and postgraduate training, research, and engaged scholarship. Through world-class education via the MBChB and MMed degrees, we will nurture the next generation of medical professionals. Through rigorous research, we will push the boundaries of medical science and discovery.
“Through engaged scholarship, we will ensure that our knowledge does not remain confined within academic walls, but actively uplifts communities and strengthens health systems in the North West province and across South Africa. These pillars are not merely conceptual; they are commitments that will define our impact. Now that the NWU has a medical school, we stand at the threshold of exciting global opportunities. Medical education thrives on collaboration across borders, and we intend to establish international partnerships with leading medical schools and research institutions.”
