In a major step towards advancing medical educa tion in South Africa, North West University (NWU) has officially begun the construction of the R600 million Desmond Tutu School of Medicine at its Potchefstroom campus. This milestone follows the approval granted by former Minister of Health, Dr. Joe Phaahla, in De cember 2023, which allows the university to pro ceed with establishing its own medical school. The Desmond Tutu School of Medicine will fea ture state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced medical technologies and innovative learning spac es. The facility aims to meet the increasing demand for skilled medical professionals while promoting research and improving community health servic es. Its establishment arrives at a crucial time, as the North West province continues to experience a se vere shortage of doctors and medical specialists. Once operational, it will become one of only 11 accredited medical schools in South Africa, with its first cohort of students expected to enrol in 2028. NWU has also established a strategic partnership with the North West Department of Health to pro vide students with hands-on clinical experience. This alliance also supports the broader goal of strengthening healthcare delivery across the prov ince. “The medical school buildings are a hub of new technology—an opportunity to implement best practices in medical education through immersive technology, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, high-fidelity simulation, laparoscopy, and diagnostic tools. In this tech-enhanced context, partnerships with the private sector become essential,” said NWU spokesperson Pietra Bester. The school will offer comprehensive medical training at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, ensuring a strong balance between academic theory and practical application. “It represents the formal launch of a scholarly pursuit of the highest order: the establishment of a premier centre for medical education, research, and professional training,” NWU Vice-Chancellor, Profes sor Bismark Tyobeka, declared. Provincial health department spokesperson, Tebogo Lekgethwane, also emphasised the impor tance of the initiative. “Our health facilities across the province will serve as training grounds for these medical students. “As a predominantly rural province, this school will help address rural retention challenges, improve health equity, and promote research focused on the specific health needs of our communities,” added Lekgethwane. Construction is now underway and is expected to take between 18 and 20 months. According to Professor Binu Luke, project lead for the medical school, the facility will ultimately ac commodate over 400 students. “This building is planned for a maximum annual intake of 150 students. As students will remain at the facility for the first three years of study, it will serve up to 450 students at a time,” Luke disclosed. When the Desmond Tutu School of Medicine offi cially opens in 2028, it will mark the beginning of a new era for healthcare education in the province - one poised to close critical gaps in access to medical training and care while shaping the next generation of medical pioneers.