BLOEMFONTEIN: The Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein continues making strides in the procedure of kidney transplants after the medical team performed another life-changing surgery. The hospital’s multidisciplinary team comprising vascular surgeons, urologists and nephrologists completed a life-saving kidney transplant procedure on 2 September.
The recipient, Khotso Clayton Montse (31), from Kimberley, received this gift of life from his sister, Lieketseng Prudence Nombula (43). This gesture has since been described as an extraordinary act of love and selflessness. Both the recipient and the donor have been discharged and are reportedly making a full recovery following the transplant. Montse was transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) on 10 September.
The respected Prof. Feziwe Bisiwe, nephrologist and head of the Nephrology Department at the hospital, led the medical team that performed the transplant. This achievement marks another milestone for the hospital following a similar procedure done in October 2023. The life-saving procedure performed in 2023 involved a happy couple, Judith and Thabo Mvalo, with Thabo as the recipient. His wife donated her kidney to save her spouse. The loving couple are seemingly living life to the fullest and attend many health promotion events to raise awareness of a healthier, alternative lifestyle.
Dr Balekile Mzangwa, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Universitas Academic Hospital, has hailed the medical team for achieving another great feat.
“This transplant is a reminder of the power of compassion and modern medicine working hand in hand. We are deeply grateful to Nombula for her courage and generosity, and we commend our dedicated medical team for their exceptional skill and commitment.
“At the hospital, we remain steadfast in our mission to restore hope and transform lives through advanced healthcare,” said Mzangwa.
According to Organ Donation South Africa, the list is growing of people waiting for suitable kidney donations as the country faces a short supply of donors. It is estimated that over 2 500 people are on the active waiting list for organ and tissue donation, while others lose their lives while waiting to receive this life-saving gift. The organisation attributes the organ donor shortage to limited knowledge among citizens.
In 2023, approximately 4 700 people were waiting for organ or corneal transplants, while the number of available donor organs remains extremely low, with only 0,2% of the population registered as organ donors.
To donate a kidney in South Africa, you must be over the age of 18 and a healthy adult with no chronic conditions that could affect the recipient, such as heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease.
To register as an organ donor or for more information about this, contact the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 (toll free), or visit odf.org.za.
