North West University (NWU)
By Thabo Mosia
North West University (NWU) has officially unveiled the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine, a groundbreaking initiative that marks a new chapter in South African healthcare and education. This week’s announcement has been met with widespread approval, notably from the Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development, chaired by Karabo Tebogo Magagane. The unveiling represents the culmination of over two decades of visioning and planning, heralding the establishment of South Africa’s 11th medical school and a transformative step towards addressing the province’s critical shortage of healthcare practitioners.
Named in honour of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a Klerksdorp-born Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is a collaborative effort between NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders. With its first student intake scheduled for 2028, the school is poised to become a cornerstone of academic excellence, healthcare innovation, and community service, reflecting Tutu’s lifelong commitment to social justice and human dignity.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
The decision to name the medical school after Archbishop Desmond Tutu was made in consultation with and approved by the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust. Born in Klerksdorp in 1931, Tutu rose to global prominence as a champion of equality, reconciliation, and human rights during South Africa’s apartheid era. His legacy as a moral and spiritual leader continues to inspire initiatives that uplift communities and promote nation-building.
“Naming the school after Archbishop Tutu is a fitting tribute to his enduring contributions to humanity and reflects the university’s commitment to social justice, human dignity, and nation-building,” said Magagane. This sentiment underscores the school’s mission to not only train healthcare professionals but also to embody the values Tutu stood for throughout his life.
Tutu’s connection to Klerksdorp, where the medical school’s key clinical training site—the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital—is located, adds a poignant local dimension to the tribute. The establishment of the school in his birthplace serves as a symbolic homecoming, aligning his vision for a just society with tangible advancements in healthcare and education.
Tackling Healthcare Shortages in the North West
The North West province has long faced significant challenges in its healthcare system, including a severe shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Rural areas, in particular, suffer from limited access to quality care, a situation worsened by the region’s economic struggles following the decline of the mining industry. The Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address this crisis by producing skilled healthcare practitioners who are attuned to the needs of the province’s diverse population.
Anchored in NWU’s core pillars of teaching, learning, research, and community engagement, the school will offer a comprehensive medical education that goes beyond clinical training. By fostering a deep connection to the communities it serves, the institution will ensure that its graduates are equipped to tackle both medical and social challenges. The school will leverage a growing network of hospitals and clinics across the province, with the Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital serving as a flagship training facility.
Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital: A Beacon of Innovation
The Klerksdorp/Tshepong Tertiary Hospital, previously a partner of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), has a proven track record of healthcare innovation. It made history as the first institution in South Africa to cure Extreme Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDR-TB), a feat that showcased its capacity to address some of the country’s most pressing health challenges. More recently, the hospital performed its first-ever pump cardiac bypass surgeries in a newly established catheterisation laboratory, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in advanced medical care.
This legacy of excellence makes the hospital an ideal clinical training site for the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine. Students will gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals, learning in an environment that pushes the boundaries of medical science and patient care. The partnership between NWU and the hospital promises to create a synergy that enhances both education and healthcare delivery in the province.
Supporting National Health Goals
The establishment of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aligns seamlessly with the transformative objectives of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, signed into law earlier this year. The NHI aims to provide universal health coverage, ensuring that all South Africans have access to quality healthcare regardless of their financial circumstances. By training a new generation of health professionals, the school will play a vital role in strengthening the province’s health systems and preparing for the implementation of this ambitious policy.
“By equipping future health professionals through high-quality education and immersive clinical training, the School of Medicine will be instrumental in advancing accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare for all residents of the province,” Magagane noted. This focus on equity and accessibility mirrors the NHI’s core principles, positioning the school as a key contributor to national health priorities.
The timing of the school’s development is particularly significant, as South Africa works to bridge the gap between urban and rural healthcare services. With its emphasis on community engagement, the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will help ensure that underserved areas of the North West benefit from improved medical resources and expertise.
Economic Revival for Matlosana
Beyond its healthcare impact, the medical school is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic diversification in the City of Matlosana. The region, once a hub of mining activity, has struggled with job losses and economic stagnation in recent years. The growth of the health and academic research sectors offers a promising avenue for revitalisation, bringing new opportunities for employment, innovation, and investment.
“The growth of the health and academic research sectors offers promising new pathways for local economic revitalisation, employment, and innovation,” the Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee stated. The presence of the medical school is likely to attract funding for healthcare infrastructure, research facilities, and related industries, creating a ripple effect that boosts the local economy. This development aligns with broader efforts to diversify the province’s economic base and reduce its reliance on traditional industries.
A Collaborative Vision
The Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is the product of a robust partnership between NWU, the North West Department of Health, and private sector stakeholders. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare and education in the province, pooling resources and expertise to create an institution that meets both local and national needs.
The Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Health and Social Development has pledged its ongoing support for initiatives that enhance public health infrastructure, education, and service delivery. The committee views the medical school as a critical step in upholding the values enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution and the spirit of the NHI Act, ensuring that healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege, for all citizens.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 102 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: “Hope for Matjhabeng as Executive Mayor Khalipha Rolls Out Plan for Renewal After ANC Reinstatement”
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Central-News-Issue-102.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube