Elzanne van der Linde, 43, from Upington, gave a kidney to Amoret in September 2025. Amoret had been on dialysis for almost nine years. For Elzanne, the decision was a personal conviction that began in 2023, when she survived a cardiac arrest during an Ironman in Port Elizabeth. Today, she says she feels exactly the same, and in some ways even better, and her running sometimes feels faster. Her one word for donation: holy.

1. Which organ did you donate, and in what year?
I donated a kidney in 2025.

2. How long was your recipient on the waiting list for an organ?
She was on dialysis for almost nine years.

3. What made you decide to donate?
It was a personal journey and conviction between me and God since 2023, when I myself suffered from a cardiac arrest while I was participating in an Ironman in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you were told that you are a suitable donor?
This was truly one of the happiest days of my life and such a privilege to be part of this amazing testimony.

5. What is life like now, after donating an organ?
Honestly, health-wise, I feel exactly the same and in some ways, even better. Training is as usual, and running sometimes even feels faster.

6. What advice would you give people considering being a living donor?
Do not hesitate; this is one of the most humbling, holy, precious things to be a part of.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors?
Once you become a donor you tend to hear more stories of people with kidney failure, some 37 and even only 5 years old. We were born with two kidneys, one to donate to those in need. We just have to create more awareness among people everywhere.

8. What is the biggest stigma/myth you have heard about organ donation?
I will only donate to my family… Why did you donate to someone that is not family?”

9. If you could describe donation in one word, what would it be?
Holy. It was life-changing, not only for her but it changed my heart and headspace completely, and I will forever be grateful to Amoret who included me in this very special journey.

10. Are there any reason NOT to be an organ donor?
None.

11. If you could be any organ, what organ would you be and why?
Before donating I would have said heart, as without it you can’t live, but without a kidney you also can’t live. Kidney chose me, so that is what it will be.