FROM THE EDITOR

Note from the SAMJ Editor

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year (2025) and it is to be congratulated for its evolution from a quiet beginning to a vigorous powerhouse for socially relevant medical education and research. Established in 1985, during the apartheid era where opportunities for medical education for people of colour were severely limited, resulting in poor to no access to medical services for the majority of people living in South Africa, WSU has played a pivotal role in addressing this dire need. Moving from 9 graduates from its first intake in 1985, it has progressed to graduate over 120 medical doctors in 2024 and by the end of that year had cumulatively produced a total of close to 2200 medical graduates to service, in particular rural and underserved communities. WSU has also forged ahead with its postgraduate programs and has developed robust speciality training in several disciplines. In line with its motto, "Excellence through Relevance", WSU has responded to the health needs of the country by developing programs and conducting research of social value that answer to the social needs of the greater part of the population. Felicitations to the staff at WSU, whose commitment and dedication are clearly evidenced by its major achievements over the past 40 years. Best wishes to you as you move onwards and upwards into your next 40 years.

Prof. Ames Dhai

SAMJ Editor