Mid-Morning Magic’s Yolanda Maartens is joined by Nephrologist, Dr Feziwe Bisiwe and Itumeleng Phoshoane to talk about their journey to the SA World Transplant Games.

Itumeleng had to go through treatment which affected his life in many ways such as missing school due to the dialysis-related commitments and complications. After Itumeleng recovered from the transplant, he went back to athletic training and started competing again.

In July 2022, he competed at the National Transplant Games that were held in Qgeberha. Here he also competed well and managed to break South African Transplant Sports records for the 200m and long jump, and he managed to equal the 100m record. Due to these performances, he qualified and made the team that will represent South Africa at the World Transplant Games to be held in Perth, Australia, in April 2023.

The South African Transplant Sports Association’s organiser of this tournament, Sonja James, can be contacted at 083-310-8713 for possible donation arrangements.

To assist Phoshoane with realising his dream of representing his country on a world stage, you can make a donation here: www.backabuddy.co.za/itumeleng-phoshoane-5409618060912039494

Established in 1978, the World Transplant Games Federation is a worldwide organisation with representation from more than 60 countries that celebrates successful transplantation and the gift of life through unique and inspiring events – namely the Summer and Winter World Transplant Games.

If you would like to become an organ donor visit The Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa (ODF). ODF is a national non-profit and public benefit organisation established in 1988 to address the critical shortage of organ and tissue donors in South Africa through awareness and education campaigns aimed at the public and medical professionals.

Once a month in the OFM Family Focus we connect with organisations that work with people and children living with disabilities in our region. If you know of such an organisation in Central SA contact Yolanda via email yolandam@ofm.co.za