Central SA
Experts urge screening, healthy living as kidney disease rises─── ZENANDE MPAME 11:11 Thu, 12 Mar 2026
As South Africa marks World Kidney Day on Thursday (12/3), attention is drawn to the growing burden of chronic kidney disease and the critical need for early detection.
Millions of South Africans are affected, often silently, with symptoms only emerging once significant kidney function has been lost. Experts emphasise timely screening and lifestyle interventions today can prevent serious complications tomorrow.
Experts also stress the importance of simple lifestyle measures to protect kidney health. Hydration, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and limiting sugary and caffeinated drinks can reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.
This year’s World Kidney Day also highlights the intersection of kidney health and climate change. Dialysis – the treatment for end-stage kidney disease – uses large amounts of water and electricity, and produces significant plastic waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
“So, in South Africa, it is estimated that one in eight people have some form of chronic kidney disease,” said Transplant Education for Living Legacies managing director Stella de Kock, “and that is mostly due to HIV, high blood pressure, and diabetes.”
Symptoms are often silent. Patients can lose 90% of their kidney function before showing any signs or symptoms. “That’s why regular screening is critical to slowing or stopping the progression of kidney disease.”
SA is a water-scarce country, she added. “Dialysis has high environmental costs. A kidney transplant would restore health and eliminate the ongoing environmental burden of lifelong dialysis.”
Access to transplantation in South Africa remains limited by geography, resources, and a shortage of qualified nephrologists. Rural patients often face long journeys to dialysis centres, while those in the public sector may be rationed based on strict eligibility criteria.
The shortage of organ donors further complicates treatment, with many patients waiting years for a transplant.
World Kidney Day initiatives encourage conversations about organ donation. “One conversation with your family can save seven lives and improve the lives of 50 people,” says De Kock, who has lived with kidney failure for 15 years. “Discussing your wishes ensures your family can honour them if the time comes.”
Experts urge people to check the colour of their urine; if it’s pale, it means you are hydrated, and if it's dark, it means drink more water.
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