6 500 people wait for life-saving organ transplants across South Africa

The Gauteng Department of Health is urging communities to register as organ and tissue donors as thousands of South Africans wait for life-saving transplants.

The department said an estimated 6 500 people across South Africa are currently waiting for organ and tissue transplants, highlighting the gap between the number of patients needing transplants and the number of available donors.

About 1 100 patients are waiting for kidney transplants, while others are undergoing assessment or being placed on transplant waiting lists.

The department said a transplant can give patients a second chance at life, allowing them to return to their families, jobs and normal routines after lengthy periods of illness and treatment.

One donor can save multiple lives

The Gauteng Department of Health said a single organ donor can save up to seven lives, while tissue donation can improve the lives of as many as 50 people.

Organs that people can donate include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas. Tissue donation can include corneas, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels and connective tissue.

The department said organ donation does not only involve people who have died. Living donors can safely donate one kidney or part of their liver while continuing to live healthy, normal lives.

Medical advances have also made living donation a safe and effective option for many patients who need transplants.

Demand far exceeds supply

South Africa performed approximately 317 solid organ transplants in 2024 across public and private healthcare facilities.

However, the number of transplants remains far below the demand, leaving many patients waiting for suitable donors. Some patients wait months or even years before a suitable match becomes available.

“Many patients become too ill to undergo transplantation, while others lose their lives before a donor organ becomes available,” the department said.

It also acknowledged that deciding to become an organ or tissue donor can be difficult for families.

However, the department said one of the most important steps people can take involves discussing their wishes with their loved ones.

Families play an important role

The department said myths and misconceptions about organ donation continue to discourage some people from registering.

It stressed that organ donation does not automatically take place after a person registers. Medical professionals assess each potential donor and determine whether donation is suitable at the appropriate time.

The department also encouraged families to discuss their decisions openly.

“In many cases, families are asked about organ donation during moments of immense grief,” the department said. “Having previously discussed a loved one’s wishes can provide guidance and comfort when making difficult decisions.”

People who want to become organ or tissue donors can register with the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa or enquire at their nearest hospital.

The Gauteng Department of Health said registering as a donor could give hope to people waiting for a transplant and potentially help save multiple lives.