Thanks to everyday South Africans, DKMS Africa’s cell donor registry is more diverse than ever – in all of Africa, in fact – significantly improving the chances of patients receiving life-saving treatment!
South Africa (26 March 2026) – This week, DKMS Africa marks five years of giving patients a second chance at life!
Five years ago, when DKMS joined forces with The Sunflower Fund, the goal was clear: to build a larger, more diverse stem cell donor registry that reflects South Africa’s population and improves every patient’s chance of finding a match.
And because of selfless South Africans who have chosen to register, that vision is becoming a reality. It is evident in the miraculous stories of Baby Leo, who received a life-saving stem cell transplant and Goikantswe, who discovered the organisation by chance and later became a match for a patient in need.
The anniversary also comes at a meaningful time, as it aligns with Human Rights Month – a reminder that access to life-saving treatment should not be out of reach for anyone, yet for many patients, it still is.
“Today, our registry has more than 170,000 potential donors. It is now the most ethnically diverse stem cell donor registry in South Africa and across the continent, helping close the gap and giving more patients a second chance at life,” DKMS Africa said.
Celebrating Together
“We marked this milestone with our community at the Galileo Open Air Cinema in Kirstenbosch; an evening that brought together partners, advocates, patients and families.”
The special occasion offered a moment of reflection for dedicated members and volunteers to acknowledge how far they’ve come and the lives that have been changed along the way.
Looking Ahead
While the organisation is proud of the progress it has made, the need remains urgent.
“Each year, more than 7,000 South Africans are diagnosed with blood cancers and related disorders. Over 4,000 lives are lost. Our goal is to reach one million registered donors by 2030 because more donors mean more second chances.”
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“Thank you for being part of this journey, and for continuing to give hope where it’s needed most.”
Being reachable and ready if you are identified as a match can make a difference. You can update your details here.
Sources: DKMS Africa
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