Seventy years ago, Stellenbosch University brought about a vision to create a place where the advancement of human health became the foundation on which teaching and learning in service of society was built. 

In the years since, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), based at the university’s Tygerberg Campus, has continued to grow, evolve and inspire healthcare leaders both in South Africa, on the African continent and worldwide.

Today we mark those 70 years with a year-long celebration of what has come before and what is yet to come. 

Speaking on this milestone, FMHS Dean Professor Elmi Muller comments: “Over seven decades, we’ve grown into a nationally and internationally respected institution - shaping generations of health professionals, producing research that responds to South Africa’s most pressing health challenges, and delivering compassionate care to the communities we serve. From our earliest pioneers to today’s innovators, our impact has always been driven by a shared commitment to humanity, integrity, and service.”

Over the course the year, students, alumni and visitors will see celebratory adornments across the campus, celebrating the students and alumni who have and who still bring our legacy to life. A number of events will also be held during the course of the year to celebrate this milestone with the Tygerberg community and stakeholders.

“This milestone belongs to every member of the Tygerberg Campus community. Our students, whose curiosity and resilience carry our mission forward, and our staff, whose dedication and expertise have built the Faculty’s enduring strength. Together with our partners and alumni, we’ve extended our influence globally,” concludes Muller. 

Today the FMHS has tangible impact on health care on all levels of society: from trailblazing research, to informing health policy, guidelines and practice, to grassroot-level care delivered right in communities. We look forward, together, to the impact the Faculty will have over the next 70 years.