POLOKWANE – A single act of generosity by an organ donor can really change a life.

This selfless act transformed the life of local resident Greg Serradinho, who went on to represent South Africa at the 2025 World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany, following a life-saving liver transplant in 2017.

Serradinho told Polokwane Observer in August last year that the games brought together about 2 500 transplant recipients and athletes from more than 60 countries to celebrate the “gift of life” and honour organ donors and their families.

Competing for team South Africa, Serradinho delivered standout performances in squash and athletics, winning a silver medal in squash, a bronze medal in the 100m sprint, and contributing to a silver medal finish in the 4x100m relay.

The World Transplant Games aim to showcase what is possible after transplantation while promoting awareness around organ donation. For Serradinho, the event carried deep personal meaning.

“One organ donor can save and dramatically improve several lives. I believe I’m alive today because one family chose to turn their loss into hope,” he said. “Organ donation gave me a second chance at life, and I am beyond grateful every day for that gift.”

He hopes his story will encourage more South Africans to talk openly about organ donation and to register as donors, offering renewed hope to thousands of patients still waiting for transplants.

Serradinho’s achievements in Dresden stand as a proud moment for Polokwane, Limpopo and the country, and serve as a powerful reminder that through organ donation, one life can create many second chances.

Facts about organ donation in South Africa

• Pioneering history: The world’s first human heart transplant was performed by Dr Christiaan Barnard in South Africa in 1967.
• Low registration rates: Less than 1% of South Africans are registered organ donors.
• Massive demand: Approximately 4 300-5 000 people are on the waiting list for organ and cornea transplants.
• High impact: A single deceased donor can save or improve the lives of up to seven people.
• Living donation: In South Africa, living donors can donate a kidney or a portion of their liver.
• HIV-positive transplants: South Africa pioneered the world’s first organ transplant from an HIV-positive donor to an HIV-positive recipient in 2008.
• No cost to family: Organ donation is free and all associated costs are covered by the recipient or transplant organisation.
• Strict death criteria: Two independent doctors must certify a person as brain-dead before organs can be donated.
• Respect for culture: Transplant teams honour cultural and religious beliefs; the body is not disfigured, and open-casket funerals are possible.
• Registration process: Registration is quick and easy, done through the Organ Donor Foundation website: https://odf.org.za and follow the instructions.