Be an Organ Donor and Give the Gift of Life
Every day, thousands of South Africans wait for a life-saving call that might never come. Myths about organ donation make it harder, but one donor can save lives and help many more. Learn how this selfless act of generosity can make you a hero.
The State of Organ Donation in South Africa
Organ donation in South Africa is in a dire state, and the waiting list keeps growing.
“There are more than 4 000 patients around the country waiting for a solid organ transplant, in other words, a kidney, liver, lung, or heart,” says Carla Wilmans, Transplant, Colorectal and Faculty Practice Manager at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC).
“We have our own waiting list, with close to 600 patients waiting for a kidney transplant, and more than 30 patients waiting for a liver transplant.”
Professor Jerome Loveland, Head of Transplant at WDGMC, adds:
“In South Africa we donate fewer than two organs per million people, while some countries donate more than 40 per million. It’s an extremely complicated problem, and we are doing an enormous amount of work to address this challenge.”
The Transplant Team Behind the Scenes
Multidisciplinary Expertise
The transplant unit at WDGMC includes:
- Nurses
- Transplant coordinators
- Intensivists
- Anaesthetists
- Surgeons
These professionals are supported by complementary services such as:
- Rehabilitation
- Social work
- Psychology
- Dietetics
- Dialysis
The unit specialises in kidney and liver transplants and also procures solid organs and tissue, including cornea and bone.
“We’re the largest transplant programme in South Africa and the only one in sub-Saharan Africa offering living donor liver transplants for children,” says Wilmans.
How to Become an Organ Donor
To become an organ donor, simply register with the Organ Donor Foundation.
“It’s important to have conversations with your loved ones about your wish to be an organ donor,” says Wilmans.
“They will need to make the final decision to consent to organ donation once you have died.”
Timing Matters
Solid organs must be transplanted within hours of death:
| Organ | Transplant Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Heart | Within 4 hours |
| Lungs | Within 6 hours |
| Liver | Within 10 hours |
| Kidneys | Within 12 hours |
Tissue can last longer:
- Cornea and soft tissue: up to 24 hours
- Bone tissue: up to 5 days
This means individuals who die at home may still be eligible to donate tissue.
Busting Myths About Being a Organ Donor
Wilmans addresses common misconceptions that hinder organ donation in South Africa.
Myth 1: Hospital staff won’t try to save my life
Truth: The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team. Their priority is saving your life.
Myth 2: No open-casket funeral after donation
Truth: Organs are removed with care and respect. Donation does not affect funeral arrangements or cultural rituals.
Myth 3: I’m too old to donate
Truth: There’s no strict upper age limit. Doctors assess organ suitability at the time of death. Children under 18 can register with parental consent.
Myth 4: Organ donation is against my religion
Truth: Most major religions in South Africa—including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism, and traditional African beliefs—support organ donation as an act of compassion.
Myth 5: My family will be paid for my organs
Truth: Organ donation is altruistic. The National Health Act prohibits any form of payment.
Myth 6: I’ll have to meet the donor’s family
Truth: Deceased organ donation is anonymous. While recipients may write thank-you letters, any meeting requires mutual consent.
Learn More and Take Action
Visit Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre to explore more about organ donation and how you can become a donor.
