Sean Samujh, a 54-year-old resident of Mount Edgecombe, had always been an embodiment of resilience and strength.
Read his story of triumph over adversity here.

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
Kidney in 2015

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
Almost four year

3. What was life like before the transplant How did you spend your days?
It was extremely difficult as I had to spend three days per week, five hours each session on dialysis. I tried to remain as positive as possible, and be as productive in my job as I could. I managed to continue playing golf during this time as well.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told your donor is a match?
I was notified in 2015 at 11 pm one night, that there was a deceased donor match for me and this presented me with mixed emotions. The initial feeling of elation was overwhelming but suddenly it dawned on me that should this operation not be successful, and something drastic went wrong, I would not be able to see my children grow up.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
Despite the few challenges I’m now presented with, like making sure I take my medication on time, ensuring that I visit my nephrologist on a regular basis maintaining a proper diet, and exercising regularly, I’m grateful to have been given a second chance to live a much more productive and active life. I now have the opportunity to spend more time with my family (since I’m not spending hours on dialysis). I get to travel more and above all pursue my passion for golf, participating in several golf tournaments. My greatest achievement is that I have participated in 3 World Transplant Games; won 2 medals in the previous games and the most recent games in Perth, Australia (April 2023) I won a silver medal in the individual tournament and a bronze medal in the teams.

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
They must remain patient and not be anxious, try and train their mind to remain positive, and by doing so, this would help their bodies to cope. They must ensure that they exercise as much as their bodies will allow. Further, it is vital that they maintain a healthy lifestyle and perhaps consult a dietician who will advise a personal diet plan for them.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
I believe that the lack of knowledge plays a crucial part in organ donation as many people do not know how much this is needed in our country and how many lives could be saved, should they decide to become organ donors.

8. If you could describe transplant in one word, what would it be?
Gift