Sisipho Yose is an 11-year-old from Mdantsane, East London, who received a lifesaving heart transplant — a true testament to the power of organ donation.

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
I received a heart transplant in 2025.

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
I was waitlisted in 2021 at the age of seven and waited for four years for a transplant.

3. What was life like before the transplant How did you spend your days?
Before the transplant my life was difficult. I was in and out of hospital.
I was facing challenges like shortness of breath on sunny days, it was difficult to walk long distances and I would become nauseous when I’m hungry and always tired.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you received “The Call” for your transplant? 
I was already admitted in hospital because I was very sick and my heart was failing.

My mother told me that I’ve received a heart from an anonymous donor. I was very happy to hear the good news as I was
ready to accept anything because I was hopeless.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
I am recovering very well and slowly picking up under a good of my parents and heart specialists. I am returning to school and also showing progress in terms of health (mentally, physically and psychologically).

Life is good, I am with my family now, my mom, dad and my brother.

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
Be patient the journey is not easy and always rely upon God for the final results.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
People need to be educated about the importance of donating their organs.

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