Picture: NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to open its doors in 2028/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
22 April 2025- The North West University (NWU) said it is proud to announce that its soon-to-be-established medical school will be honorifically named the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine. This decision was taken in consultation with – and received the approval of – the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust.
The official naming ceremony took place at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton on 22 April 2025. The name was unveiled by the NWU Chancellor, Dr Anna Mokgokong, the Chairperson of NWU Council, Bert Sorgdrager, NWU vice-chancellor and principal, Prof Bismark Tyobeka and the Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, Dr Mamphela Ramphele.
The illustrious ceremony was further graced by the presence of the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi, as well as various bishops of the Anglican Church. Ramphele reminded those in attendance of Archbishop Tutu’s early wish to become a doctor before receiving a higher calling, stating that it is fitting that Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s name will now live on in every graduate of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
She also spoke of his unwavering commitment to the spirit of ubuntu.
“It is the obligation of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine to live up to the values of ubuntu, and it is the responsibility of its students to meet the high standards that Desmond Tutu would have approved of,” said Ramphele.
Mokgosi reflected on Tutu’s role as a moral compass during the liberation struggle.
“His teachings must continue to galvanise and guide us to be solution-driven citizens,” he said.
Sorgdrager said the decision to name the medical school in honour of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate was made not only to recognise 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.
“Tutu espoused core values that guided his life and work. Central to his philosophy was the belief in every individual’s intrinsic worth and dignity, irrespective of race, creed, or background.
“His commitment to human rights and equality was deeply rooted in the principle of ubuntu, which emphasises interconnectedness, compassion, and the idea that ‘I am because we are,’ he said.
Sorgdrager said Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith. He said Tutu’s approach to conflict resolution and reconciliation was grounded in the belief that forgiveness and understanding could overcome deep-seated divisions.
Mokgokong said the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will be the 11th medical school in South Africa. She said 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.
“South Africa’s current doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at approximately 0.31 doctors per 1000 people, and a nurse-to-patient ratio of about 4.59 nurses per 1000,” said Mokgokong.
She noted that these, among other urgent healthcare challenges, are what the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine aims to address.
“We are not merely building a school of bricks and mortar, we are laying the foundation for something much greater and more enduring. Today we open doors that will never close. Doors of opportunity, healing, compassion, and transformation.
“That is also why we have chosen the name of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was not only a man of faith and moral courage, but also a fierce advocate for justice, equality, and human dignity,” said Mokgokong.
Meanwhile, the first intake of students for the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine is scheduled for 2028.
The Guardian 