The North-West University is on a mission to celebrate the legends of South Africa after honouring yet another one of our iconic figures with a highly esteemed recognition.
After conferring an honourary doctorate to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and renaming one of its residences after double Rugby World Cup winning captain Siya Kolisi, the University has recently named its medical school after none other than Nobel Peace Prize winner and struggle icon, the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu with the unveiling of NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.
The name unveiling took place earlier this week at the Capital on the Park Hotel in Sandton, with several dignitaries having been in attendance to celebrate the milestone moment.
Those in attendance included Dr Anna Mokgokong, Chancellor of the NWU, Bert Sorgdrager, Chairperson of the NWU Council, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU, and Dr Mamphela Ramphele, Chairperson of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu IP Trust, all of whom unveiled the name to those in attendance.
During his speech, Dr Ramphele reflected on the archbishop’s earlier life, highlighting that it was his lifelong desire to become a medical doctor before he eventually answered his spiritual calling.
“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,” Dr Ramphele further mentioned.
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Meanwhile, the Chancellor Bert Sorgdrager emphasised that the reason for naming the medical school after Tutu was not solely based on legacy in fighting apartheid, but also because of the values he possessed that the university wishes to impart in its students.
“Desmond 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’. Desmond Tutu championed non-violence as a means of achieving social and political change, drawing inspiration from his faith.”
The first intake for students to enrol in the medical school is set to take place in 2028.
Also see:Bok captain and coach Rassie revisit NWU for the unveiling of Siya Kolisi residence
