According to Vice-Chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and burdened medical professionals have strengthened the university’s case for a medical school.

He says that the program will run from both the Mafikeng and Potchefstroom Campuses, and that the university believes it has accumulated the necessary resources to facilitate such a program.

“We are ready, we are willing, and we avail ourselves to offer this program; and we hope there will be a joint meeting of minds. All stakeholders will see it as we do. And we will cooperate in terms of making it possible.”

“I can say that the university may have all the will and the capability, but it also takes political will and support as far as making this possible,” says Kgwadi.

Furthermore the decision with regards to the procurement of a medical program now rests with the Department of Health and the Department of Education, adds Kgwadi. He goes on to say that with the ever-growing demand for medical professionals, the NWU is well on track to fill the urgent need not only in the North West, but in South Africa and the region as a whole.

OFM News/Lee Simmons