{
  "id": 3904065,
  "title": "South Africa: Thousands Wait As Gauteng Pushes for More Organ Donors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/south-africa-thousands-wait-as-gauteng-pushes-for-more-organ-donors",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-08-28T06:00:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "AllAfrica Health",
    "slug": "allafrica-health",
    "url": "https://allafrica.com/stories/202608280088.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Africa faces a growing demand for organ and tissue transplants, with thousands of patients waiting for life-saving procedures. The Gauteng Department of Health is urging more individuals to register as donors to address the shortage of available organs. As of 2024, only 317 organ transplants were performed in the country, including those at both public and private hospitals, while around 6,500 patients are currently on the waiting list across South Africa. Organ donation, which can include the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas, can save lives and alleviate the burden of patients waiting for transplants. The department clarifies that age or pre-existing medical conditions do not automatically disqualify someone from becoming a donor, as doctors will assess each potential donor's eligibility upon the need arises. Myths and cultural beliefs often contribute to fears and uncertainties surrounding organ donation, and the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa encourages open conversations with families to ensure individuals' wishes are understood. To become a donor, people can register at their nearest hospital or through the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa.",
  "summary": "[Scrolla] About 1,100 Gauteng patients need kidney transplants or are being assessed to join the waiting list, according to the provincial health department. Only 317 organ transplants were carried out across South Africa in 2024 while about 6,500 patients currently need organ and tissue transplants.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gauteng pushes for more organ donors to address shortage",
    "317 organ transplants performed in 2024, 6,500 patients on waiting list",
    "Age or medical conditions don't automatically disqualify donors"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Gauteng Department of Health's push for more organ donors aims to alleviate the shortage of available organs and reduce the burden on thousands of patients waiting for life-saving transplants.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}