The university took an intentional decision to place it on a campus in one of the Bay’s poorest and least-served areas as a reflection of values, which are a key part of its Vision 2030 strategic trajectory.
Medical School Director Professor Fikile Nomvete spells out a few of the benefits.
“Our school must be oriented towards, and respond to, the community, and our geographical location speaks to that vision,” said Prof Nomvete. “We are really well positioned for primary health care and community-oriented training.”
The city’s northern areas lie slightly west, while New Brighton, KwaDwesi, KwaMagxaki and other major townships are close by to the east, and the campus is next to a key arterial road halfway between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. This proximity allows for academic development partnerships and engagement with the FET colleges, schools and civil society.
Executive Dean of Health Sciences Professor Zukiswa Zingela notes how it capitalises on the University’s existing footprint in Missionvale.
“We are already providing a service here through our law and psychology clinics, the Emergency Medical Services Department is also moving here and now, with the new Medical School, this campus can only expand.
“The positioning allows all of these different arms which contribute to the training, and to services in the community, to come together under one umbrella,” said Prof Zingela.
