SEBOKENG. – 36-year-old Zwelakhe Radebe from Sebokeng is fighting to stay alive and continue pursuing his calling of educating young South Africans. Radebe works as teacher at the Isaac Mhlambi Primary School in Sasolburg.
Radebe suffers from a rare blood disorder, Severe Aplastic Anemia and urgently needs to find a donor who will make a blood stem cell donation possible. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Radebe said he learned about his condition in 2021 on Christmas eve after he went for a check-up. The check-up was prompted by him experiencing extreme fatigue among other symptoms.
“I remember receiving a call from my doctor and he advised me to rush to the hospital where I spent a few days undergoing more tests and getting treatment. In 2022 I was still very ill and spent the rest of the year getting treatment and fighting to beat this illness.”
Radebe says despite his illness, he made a conscious decision to man-up and fight.
“There are not that many donors that come forward in our country and this is why it is so important to educate people about this condition. It is not only for me but for other people like me. All my siblings have tested and unfortunately, none of them were compatible.
“I’m so grateful for the support I have received from my family, not forgetting my wife who gave up everything to ensure that she is by my side during this difficult journey.
“I would like to ask the Vaal fraternity at large, together with people from Sasolburg and Zamdela to join the DKMS AFRICA Donor Drive which will take place on 04 March at Isaac Mhlambi Primary School, Zamdela, Sasolburg”
“DKMS Africa is holding a donor drive to help Zweli find his match. The DKMS Africa Team will be engaging with the public, spreading awareness on blood cancers and disorders as well as recruiting donors to join the donor registry and save lives. Eligible donors will receive a cheek swab which will be analysed added to the registry, and you will be available for all patients searching for a donor such as Zweli.
“We would like to edge the community of Sebokeng and Sasolburg to come through on the day to register as stem cell donors and give a second chance at live,” said Tamara Dlayedwa, DKMS-Africa Gauteng Team Leader.
