One of the most powerful things we can do is to slow down and show up for those who could do with a little help in amplifying their voice. Our national cricket captain, Temba Bavuma, has powerfully opened his heart to young Iminathi, a teen facing aplastic anaemia, by using his platform to call on South Africans to register as stem cell donors.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 June 2025) – Sometimes, the biggest battles aren’t fought under stadium lights, but in hospital wards, whispered prayers, and the search for a life-saving stem cell donor.
Through the power of advocacy and in support of those facing their biggest health battles yet, the Captain of the South African cricket team, Temba Bavuma and the DP World Lions opened their hearts and stadium to Iminathi, a 14-year-old boy diagnosed with aplastic anaemia.
Iminathi depends on weekly blood transfusions to stay alive. His life changed dramatically in 2020 when what seemed like harmless flu and a persistently blocked nose revealed a life-threatening blood disorder where the body’s bone marrow stops producing enough new blood cells, leading to a weakened immune system and uncontrolled bleeding.
Iminathi’s bravery moves Bavuma
Touched by this brave warrior’s story, Temba connected with him through sport and their shared passion for cricket.
From walking side by side through the iconic players’ tunnel at DP World Wanderers Stadium, to having heartfelt conversations with the DP World Lions staff and players, Temba further used his platform to call on South Africans to register as stem cell donors to help Iminathi and countless others facing complex blood disorders.
“Spending time with Iminathi was emotional and incredibly grounding. You see a child full of energy, dreams, and light—and then realise he’s going through something most of us can’t even imagine.”
“My message to South Africans is this: You have the power to save a life. Registering as a stem cell donor doesn’t cost you anything but a bit of time, and yet, for someone else, it could be the only chance they have,” shared Bavuma.
Using cricket to amplify the urgent need for stem cell donors
Adding on to the moment, DP World Lions Chief Executive Officer Jono Leaf-Wright shared that community is at the heart of everything they do, and for Bavuma to spend time with Iminathi, echoed that influence comes with responsibility.
“We believe the role of a sports institution like ours extends well beyond the boundary rope. Our stadiums might be built for competition, but our legacy is built on connection—to our fans, our communities, and the causes that need us most. Partnering with DKMS Africa on this World Blood Cancer Day initiative was more than just a symbolic gesture—it was a powerful statement of solidarity and action.
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“True community support means showing up where it matters most, that is why we were compelled to use our platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard—patients, families, and children like Iminathi who are waiting for a match,” said Leaf-Wright and urged more people be informed and register to become stem cell donors who could potentially save a life.
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K9 Hero Huckleberry Helps His Human Step Out and Say Yes to Life!Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, shared that like so many sports, cricket is a bridge that connects hearts, homes, and communities. And with sports icons like Temba Bavuma advocating for patients in need, it’s a step towards bringing hope to patients still waiting for a match.
“Sports figures hold the power to amplify the urgent need for stem cell donors and inspire communities to come together. That is why advocacy like this reminds us that behind every statistic is a real person, and this collaboration helps create visibility for Iminathi and other patients like him who are still waiting to find their matching stem cell donors.
“We hope his story moves others to register, because the act of saving a life could start with just one decision.”
Visit the DKMS website to register as a stem cell donor.
Sources: Supplied
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