Tony & Maureen Munnik, from Durban KZN share their story as parents who gave consent to donate their son’s tissue.

1. Please tell us about your family member, what they donated, and in what year?
Our eldest son Graham donated his corneas and bone after he passed away suddenly in 2020.

2. What made you decide to donate?
The decision to donate was a unanimous family commitment, following my daughter becoming an organ recipient in 2014 (kidney and pancreas). Not only were we all very grateful for the generosity shown by her donor’s family but our view, each human should endeavour to make a positive contribution to the world in some form. We believe that organ and tissue donation offer a means of extending and indeed preserving life and the quality of life. In addition, can provide the means to correct physical disadvantages which are experienced due to inherited conditions or accidental injuries.

3. What advice would you give people regarding organ and tissue donation?
Firstly share your wishes with your family both verbally and in writing so that they can honour your end of life wishes. Secondly, ask yourself if you were in need of a life-changing transplant, wouldn’t you wish someone would be willing to donate? Lastly, there are so many positives in donation, it truly is a gift to humanity.

4. Why do you think there is a shortage of both organ and tissue donors in South Africa?
Due to lack of publicity and lack of government programs which support donation; insufficient resources, especially in the public health sector; general fear and lack of knowledge by the public, and in some instances, religious objection. Certain movies and TV shows have done donation a great discredit too which is a great pity. Writers and producers should really do their homework before embarking on such productions which can end up doing more harm than good.

5. What is the biggest stigma/myth you have heard about organ & tissue donation?
Your loved one will be disfigured by donation (which is entirely untrue); you can’t donate if you have a pre-existing medical condition (not true, donors are assessed at time of death as to their suitability).

6. Are there any reasons NOT to be an organ & tissue donor?
There are no logical reasons why organ and tissue donations should not be made. The decision is a family’s personal one though, and based usually personal philosophy. We do think that if you are prepared to accept an organ or tissue donation, you should also be prepared to donate.

7. If you could describe donation in one word, what would it be?
One word doesn’t do the notion justice – MIRACULOUS LIFE is our choice.