Organ donation has the power to save and transform lives – but making a decision about it needs to be grounded in facts, not uncertainty. By understanding how organ donation works in South Africa, you can make an informed choice and have meaningful conversations with your loved ones. We chat to Carla Wilmans, Transplant Manager at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, who explains the facts about organ donation.
Why Organ Donation Matters
In South Africa, there is a significant need for organ donors. Currently, close to 6 000 people are waiting for life-saving organ transplants, but the country has one of the lowest organ donation rates in the world – just 1.2 donors per million people. Fewer than 0.2% of South Africans are registered as organ donors.
“It is important for the public to understand how extraordinary the impact of donation can be. A single organ donor can save up to 7 lives and enhance the lives of more than 75 others through tissue donation. Increasing awareness and understanding is key to closing this gap in our country,” Wilmans explains. “Imagine changing seven lives with one decision!”
How Does Someone Donate an Organ?
Wilmans explains that there are two ways that organ donation can happen. The process of giving organs or tissues to someone in need of a transplant can happen through deceased donation or living donation. Both play a vital role in saving and improving lives.
Deceased Organ Donation
Deceased organ donation takes place after a person has passed away, usually in a hospital setting under strict medical and ethical protocols.
- What can be donated?
Organs that can be donated include the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, pancreas and intestines. In addition, tissues such as corneas, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels and connective tissue can also be donated. - How are recipients selected?
South Africa uses a transparent waiting list system. Recipients are selected based on medical urgency, blood type compatibility and time on the waiting list – not financial status. - Is the process respectful?
Organ retrieval is performed with surgical precision and the utmost care and respect. It does not disfigure the body, prevent an open casket funeral, or delay funeral arrangements or cultural practices. - Is it ethical?
South African law, under the National Health Act, strictly prohibits any payment for organs. Donation is entirely altruistic. - Will doctors still try to save my life?
The medical team treating a patient in an emergency is completely separate from the transplant team. Every effort is made to save a life before organ donation is ever considered.
Living Organ Donation
Living organ donation offers another life-saving option and involves donating while alive, under carefully controlled medical conditions.
- What can living donors give?
A living donor can donate a kidney or part of the liver, lung, pancreas or intestine. - Can donors live normal lives?
For example, one healthy kidney can effectively perform the work needed for the body, allowing donors to live normal, healthy lives. Similarly, the liver can regenerate and return to normal size and function within 8 to 12 weeks after donation. - What are the benefits?
Living donor transplants often have high success rates and can be planned in advance, reducing waiting times. In fact, a kidney from a living donor can function 5 to 10 years longer than one from a deceased donor. - Is it safe?
Donors undergo comprehensive medical and psychological screening to ensure they are suitable candidates. Modern laparoscopic surgical techniques also mean shorter recovery times and minimal scarring, with hospital stays typically lasting only 3 to 4 days. - Who can donate?
Anyone over the age of 18 may be considered, provided they meet the necessary medical criteria.
Common Misconceptions that Influence Donation
She explains that understanding the facts can help address most of the common concerns:
- There is no age limit for organ donation. Each case is assessed individually.
- Most major religions – including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Judaism and traditional African belief systems – support organ donation as an act of compassion.
- There is no cost to the donor’s family for deceased donation. In living donation, medical costs are typically covered by the recipient’s medical aid.
Why Family Conversations are Essential
One of the most important facts about organ donation in South Africa is that family consent is always required, even if you are a registered organ donor. This means your wishes may not be honoured if your family is unsure of your decision. Having an open conversation ensures that:
- Your loved ones understand your intentions
- They feel confident supporting your choice
- They are not left to make a difficult decision during an emotional time
Making an Informed Decision and Opening the Conversation
Organ donation is a deeply personal choice. The most important thing is that your decision is informed by accurate information and shared with those closest to you.
South Africa is home to world-class transplant centres across both the public and private sectors, with skilled teams dedicated to ethical, high-quality care. But without donors, transplants cannot happen.
“Understanding the facts is the first step. Sharing your decision is the next step,” Wilmans concludes. “By talking to your family about organ donation, you help ensure that your wishes are respected – and you may one day help save or transform many lives.”
