Construction Kicks Off on South Africa’s 11th Medical School – The Desmond Tutu School of Medicine

In a landmark development aimed at tackling the nation’s doctor shortage, North-West University (NWU) has commenced construction of the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine on its Potchefstroom campus. This marks the establishment of South Africa’s 11th medical school, with first-year students expected to enroll in 2028

At the official sod-turning ceremony, NWU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Bismark Tyobeka delivered stirring remarks, calling the project “the cornerstone of a bold vision to transform lives, uplift communities, and reshape the healthcare landscape of our nation”

The school will provide a modern facility for foundational medical education and eventually expand clinical training across provincial hospitals, notably Tshepong and Klerksdorp Tertiary Hospital

A key objective behind the initiative is to confront the country’s low doctor-to-population ratio—currently a concerning 0.31 doctors per 1,000 people, compared to the World Health Organization’s recommended minimum of 2.5

Strategic emphasis will be placed on preparing graduates for rural practice; the curriculum will feature clinical rotations and community engagement in underserved areas, reflecting the enduring vision of Archbishop Desmond Tutu—after whom the institution is named

Clinical partnerships with Tshepong and Klerksdorp hospitals offer valuable learning environments, including exposure to rural health dynamics and specialized care such as XDR‑TB treatment and cardiac bypass procedures

While the NWU project adds essential training capacity, South Africa continues to face challenges in absorbing new medical graduates. Reports reveal that only 800 of approximately 1,800 doctors completing community service in 2024 were offered posts in the public sector, highlighting systemic funding constraints

The timing of this ambitious project coincides with momentum around South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) policy, reflecting a broader push for equitable access to healthcare. The new school aligns with NHI goals by building capacity and ensuring a steady pipeline of well-trained physicians equipped to serve all communities.

Project Timeline & Vision
Official Groundbreaking: Early June 2025

Completion Target: 2027, with the first cohort in 2028

Curriculum Highlights: Six years of training—three for foundational and three for clinical, followed by internship and community service placements

Rural Service Emphasis: Early clinical exposure in rural hospitals to cultivate rural readiness