Latest news with #DKMSAfrica
Malaysia Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Malaysia Sun
South Africa Test captain Bavuma reveals how a 14-year-old became his role model
New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma revealed how the story of a 14-year-old fan named Iminathi became his role model and a source of inspiration for him. With Bavuma at the helm, South Africa's decades of agony ended on a fairytale note. They defied the on-paper favourites, Australia, to bring the World Test Championship mace home. Apart from bringing on-field glory to his nation, Bavuma is working off the field to ensure that young South Africans, in vulnerable positions, have a local cricketing hero to look up to. One of the ways Bavuma is giving back to his people is through the non-profit organisation DKMS Africa, a donor recruitment centre and registry. Bavuma explained that his late grandmother was his motivation to join the organisation. 'My late grandma passed away via leukemia and that was something that was never spoken about in the household. I guess for them to see me getting behind a cause like this allowed them to somewhat heal - at least to speak about it, but also heal from what was traumatic for them,' Bavuma told ESPN. Apart from his grandmother, the story of an aplastic anemia patient Iminathi, served as an inspiration for him. After becoming aware of the 14-year-old's story, Bavuma hosted the teenager at his domestic team, Lions at the Wanderers. 'I think in life we all need heroes. We all need people to look up to. I guess we all grow up with our own dreams and aspirations and ambitions, and those easily come to life - or at least become reachable - when you see people like you who are doing it,' he said. 'For an individual like Iminathi - [he] also was a source of inspiration that I could draw from. I'm quite privileged in a lot of ways within my life. The pressures and struggles that I go through are nothing compared to what Iminathi does, and he is still able to do it with a smile on his face,' he added. Bavuma also addressed Wiaan Mulder's decision not to pursue legendary Brian Lara's world record of 400. While acting as the stand-in captain for then-injured Bavuma against Zimbabwe, South Africa declared even though Mulder was unbeaten on 367, just 33 runs shy of the elusive feat. Despite all the speculations about whether Mulder made the right call or not, the sheer bravery of the decision was an indication that Bavuma's values will continue even after his captaincy tenure ends. 'People always ask: 'What is it about this team?' We're not a team of superstars, but there are always moments or snippets that give you a real shot or preview into what the team is about,' Bavuma said. 'That moment there - Wiaan Mulder - a young guy making his mark in international cricket, in his first game as a stand-in captain, has an opportunity to break the world record and is able to make a decision like that. That, for me, shows what the team is about,' he added. 'I was actually there in Zimbabwe when Wiaan and the coach [Shukri Conrad] made that decision. I think he would have earned a lot of respect not just from us as players but from the cricketing world. It's easy to say that you're going to put the team first and all of that, but the important thing is: when it's in front of you, what do you exactly do?' Bavuma concluded. (ANI)
News18
4 days ago
- Sport
- News18
South Africa Test captain Bavuma reveals how a 14-year-old became his role model
New Delhi [India], August 15 (ANI): South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma revealed how the story of a 14-year-old fan named Iminathi became his role model and a source of inspiration for him. With Bavuma at the helm, South Africa's decades of agony ended on a fairytale note. They defied the on-paper favourites, Australia, to bring the World Test Championship mace home. Apart from bringing on-field glory to his nation, Bavuma is working off the field to ensure that young South Africans, in vulnerable positions, have a local cricketing hero to look up of the ways Bavuma is giving back to his people is through the non-profit organisation DKMS Africa, a donor recruitment centre and registry. Bavuma explained that his late grandmother was his motivation to join the organisation. 'My late grandma passed away via leukemia and that was something that was never spoken about in the household. I guess for them to see me getting behind a cause like this allowed them to somewhat heal – at least to speak about it, but also heal from what was traumatic for them," Bavuma told ESPN. Apart from his grandmother, the story of an aplastic anemia patient Iminathi, served as an inspiration for him. After becoming aware of the 14-year-old's story, Bavuma hosted the teenager at his domestic team, Lions at the Wanderers. 'I think in life we all need heroes. We all need people to look up to. I guess we all grow up with our own dreams and aspirations and ambitions, and those easily come to life – or at least become reachable – when you see people like you who are doing it," he said. 'For an individual like Iminathi – [he] also was a source of inspiration that I could draw from. I'm quite privileged in a lot of ways within my life. The pressures and struggles that I go through are nothing compared to what Iminathi does, and he is still able to do it with a smile on his face," he added. Bavuma also addressed Wiaan Mulder's decision not to pursue legendary Brian Lara's world record of 400. While acting as the stand-in captain for then-injured Bavuma against Zimbabwe, South Africa declared even though Mulder was unbeaten on 367, just 33 runs shy of the elusive feat. Despite all the speculations about whether Mulder made the right call or not, the sheer bravery of the decision was an indication that Bavuma's values will continue even after his captaincy tenure ends. 'People always ask: 'What is it about this team?' We're not a team of superstars, but there are always moments or snippets that give you a real shot or preview into what the team is about," Bavuma said.'That moment there – Wiaan Mulder – a young guy making his mark in international cricket, in his first game as a stand-in captain, has an opportunity to break the world record and is able to make a decision like that. That, for me, shows what the team is about," he added.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
A mom's plea: 'you can save my son'
With less than 200 000 South Africans registered as stem cell donors – and even fewer from Black communities – the odds are stacked against Black children. Bonakele never imagined that motherhood would mean becoming a full-time caregiver, medical advocate and voice for survival. But for the past two years, she's been fighting relentlessly for her two-year-old son, who has a rare genetic disease and whose life now depends on finding a matching stem cell donor. 'I knew something wasn't right from when he was just three months old,' she recalls. 'He had recurring boils, infections, and was always in and out of the clinic. But nothing prepared me for the diagnosis.' Her son was eventually diagnosed with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS), a life-threatening condition that weakens the immune system and impairs blood clotting. Without treatment, most children don't survive into adulthood. 'I've already lost a child,' Bonakele says. 'I wake up every day with that memory in my heart and the fear that I could lose another. People ask how my son is doing, but they forget to ask how I'm doing. The truth is, I'm exhausted, I'm scared… but I have to stay strong for him.' A stem cell transplant is her son's best and only chance. When performed early – ideally before the age of five – it can offer a survival rate of over 90%. But the biggest challenge is finding a matching donor. 'This is why we're sharing Bonakele's story,' says Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting blood cancers and blood disorders. 'A simple cheek swab could identify the match her son – and so many others.' 'I'm asking with everything in me,' says Bonakele. 'If you're healthy and between 17 and 55, please register. You could be the reason my son grows up, runs around with his friends, and has the chance to just be a child. This isn't just about him – it's about every parent waiting for that one person to say yes.' DKMS is an international non-profit organization dedicated to the fight against blood cancer. It was founded in Germany in 1991 by Dr Peter Harf. DKMS with over 1 200 employees has since relentlessly pursued the aim of giving as many patients as possible a second chance at life. It has over 12 million registered donors. Visit to register. A few minutes could save a life.
The Citizen
28-07-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Stem Cell Donor Needed for Young Lives at Risk
Registering is free and simple, and if you're between the ages of 17 and 55 and in good health, you could be the match these families are waiting for. DKMS Africa, a non-profit organisation committed to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders, is appealing to potential donors to help save two young lives. Two-year-old Oyintando and 21-year-old Zachary are urgently searching for matching donors to survive. Two young lives on hold Following numerous hospital visits, Oyintando was initially diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is a common and usually harmless virus that causes problems in babies and people with weakened immune systems. After six weeks of treatment, a follow-up referral led doctors to finally diagnose him with Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome. This is a rare, life-changing genetic disorder that weakens the immune system and affects blood clotting. 'I was terrified when I heard the diagnosis,' says his mother, Bonakele, who had lost another child years earlier to similar symptoms. 'The doctors explained everything to me, and over time, I had to come to terms with the reality.' ALSO READ: Baby girl's life saved by surgery 21-year-old Zachary, a third-year student at Nelson Mandela University, had his life change overnight in February 2025. He went on a routine visit to check on low blood pressure but ended up leaving with an Aplastic Anaemia diagnosis. This is a condition where the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells. He now relies on weekly transfusions and has undergone multiple rounds of medication. Unfortunately, none of his family members are suitable donors. You Could Be the Match 'Both Oyintando and Zachary urgently need stem cell transplants, and their survival depends on the generosity of others,' says Palesa Mokomele, head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa Ways to help Members of the public can learn more and register as potential donors at The process is free, simple, and non-invasive, and one registration could mean the difference between life and death for patients like Oyintando and Zachary. In different corners of South Africa, two families are holding onto hope, united by a desperate need for a stem cell donor who could give their loved ones a second chance at life.
Forbes
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
How Themba Bavuma Is Making A Difference Beyond The Boundary Line
LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 14: Temba Bavuma of South Africa celebrates with the ICC World Test ... More Championship Mace following his team's victory on Day Four of the ICC World Test Championship Final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 14, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images) When Temba Bavuma lifted the ICC T20 World Cup trophy this year, the moment carried a meaning far beyond cricket. For South Africa, it ended a 26-year wait for an ICC title, igniting celebrations across a nation with a complicated sporting history. But for Bavuma, it was a reminder of something even greater. As South Africa's first Black African cricket captain, Bavuma has always carried more than just the hopes of his teammates. He holds the dreams of communities who see themselves reflected in his journey, many for the first time. 'It's a responsibility I carry with pride,' he says. 'Being the first Black African captain in a sport with such a complex history means I'm constantly aware of the space I occupy.' This sense of responsibility goes beyond leading his team on the field; it's reflected in his partnership with DKMS Africa, where he works to raise awareness about blood cancers and the urgent need for stem cell donors in underrepresented communities. 'Partnering with DKMS Africa aligns with that responsibility,' he shared in an interview with 'It's about showing up for our communities in meaningful ways, especially in spaces where we are underrepresented, like healthcare.' For Bavuma, lifting trophies is just one part of his purpose. 'Winning the ICC trophy was a proud moment for the team and the country,' he reflects. 'But more than anything, it reminded me of the platform we have as athletes.' For him, that platform isn't just about records or silverware. The real victory lies in using these moments to uplift others and champion life beyond the pitch, from breaking barriers in cricket to raising awareness about life-saving stem cell donations, creating a legacy defined not only by runs scored or titles won, but by hope restored and lives changed. A Leader Beyond Cricket Bavuma partnered with DKMS Africa to raise awareness about blood cancers and blood disorders. The partnership emerged from his growing awareness of the urgent need for stem cell donors in South Africa, particularly among Black, Coloured, and Asian communities. Temba Bavuma and The DP World Lions have collaborated with DKMS Africa to Tackle Blood Cancer and ... More Disorders Learning about the issue was eye-opening for Bavuma. 'The stats were hard to ignore,' he says. 'Learning how difficult it is for patients in our communities to find matches, it really hit home. It's not because people don't care, but because there's a lack of awareness. That moved me to want to help change that.' In South Africa, only about 0.36% of the population is registered as stem cell donors, and Black patients face disproportionately low chances of finding a match. For many, a transplant is their only hope for survival. The disparity is not unique to South Africa – it reflects global underrepresentation of ethnic minorities in donor registries, rooted in historical inequities and access barriers. Bavuma sees parallels between his experiences in cricket and those faced by patients in healthcare. 'In both spaces, underrepresentation is rooted in history and systemic issues. Whether it's in sport or healthcare, the barriers are real, but so is the potential to overcome them. Just as we've pushed for transformation in cricket, we need to push for equity in health outcomes. It starts with awareness and access.' Grounding Advocacy in Personal Encounters Iminathi and Temba Bavuma During A Tour Of The DP World Stadium His commitment to the campaign became deeply personal when he met Iminathi, a young boy whose story transformed the cause from abstract statistics into a powerful reality. Like Bavuma, Iminathi has hopes and dreams, yet he faces the harsh reality of waiting for a stem cell donor, a fight that steals away the carefree innocence of childhood. 'Meeting Iminathi was incredibly emotional,' Bavuma shares. 'When you put a face to the issue, it changes everything. He is just a child with dreams like any of us have. That moment made the campaign real for me. It's not about stats, it's about lives. Lives we can help save.' This sense of responsibility inspired Bavuma to deepen his partnership with DKMS Africa by involving the DP World Lions. 'It felt like a natural next step,' he explains. 'The Lions have always stood for something bigger than cricket: community, resilience, and unity. Partnering with DKMS Africa through the team means we can amplify the message, reach more people, and encourage more donor registrations. It's about moving from awareness to action, and I'm proud to have the Lions behind this cause.' Jono Wright (CEO of Lions Cricket). Iminathi and Temba Bavuma Reflecting on the impact he hopes to achieve, Bavuma emphasises the power of personal stories to inspire change. 'I hope we inspire people to register as stem cell donors and realise the life-saving difference they can make. Iminathi's story is more than emotional; it's a call to action. If even one person signs up after hearing it, that could mean hope for a family, and that's everything." Reflecting on the bigger picture, Bavuma adds, 'Long term, I want to see greater representation on the donor registry, especially from African communities. Having lost a loved one to a similar condition, I understand just how vital that hope is.' For Bavuma, leading by example is fundamental. 'It's one thing to lend your name to a campaign, but it's another to show up, speak up, and get involved. If I want others to take action, I have to do the same. That's how trust is built.' The Power of Sport to Drive Change Temba Bavuma Sharing His Personal Story Behind His Choice To Partner With DKMS Africa As national captain, Bavuma's influence stretches far beyond cricket circles. In a country still grappling with economic inequality, health disparities, and social divides, sport has always been a powerful unifier. 'Sport has the ability to unify, to educate, and to inspire action,' he says. 'As athletes, we're in a unique position to amplify messages that matter. Whether it's health, education, or social justice, we can be part of the solution, if we choose to be.' For many young South Africans, Bavuma's rise is a testament to possibility. His grounded demeanour and thoughtful approach to leadership have earned him respect not only among teammates but among sports fans and broader society. 'Growing up, I just wanted to play cricket,' he reflects. 'I never imagined my career could intersect with something so impactful. Being able to help save lives through this work is potentially humbling. It gives my journey even more purpose.' Legacy Beyond Records JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 18: Temba Bavuma interacts with supporters during the South Africa ... More men's national cricket team arrival at OR Tambo International Airport on June 18, 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa were crowned ICC World Test Champions after defeating Australia by five wickets in the final at Lord's In London on June 14th..(Photo by Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images via Getty Images) The Proteas' World Cup win under Bavuma's captaincy is already being celebrated as one of South African sport's greatest moments. Yet, for him, its meaning goes far beyond silverware. 'Moments like that remind me of the platform we have,' he says with calm certainty. 'We have the ability to bring attention to causes that matter.' When asked what message he would like to send to South Africans about stem cell donor registration, his response is simple but powerful: 'You could be the match someone is praying for. Registering takes just a moment, but it could give someone the rest of their life. We all have the power to help; it starts with stepping forward.' Throughout his journey, Bavuma has remained mindful of the wider impact of his leadership. His milestones: becoming the first Black African captain, leading the Proteas to an ICC trophy after decades of heartbreak, and advocating for health equity, all stem from a quiet conviction that leadership must mean more than titles. 'I'd like to be remembered as someone who stood for something greater than himself,' he reflects. 'Yes, as a cricketer, but also as a leader who used his voice and platform to uplift others. If my journey has opened doors or inspired action, then I've done what I was meant to do.' A Call to Action As South Africa celebrates a sporting hero, Bavuma's message is clear: victories on the field are fleeting without victories for humanity. His advocacy serves as a reminder that the real trophies are the lives changed, opportunities created, and systems transformed along the way. In a country where stories of hope are often met with scepticism, Bavuma's journey offers a powerful counter-narrative: that quiet, deliberate leadership can drive change; that representation matters not just for pride, but for the health and dignity of communities; and that the true measure of a champion is not only in records broken, but in lives touched. Bavuma's journey reminds us that leadership doesn't always have to be loud or flashy; it can be deliberate, intentional, and deeply impactful. Every single South African has the power to make a difference, whether through small actions or bold gestures, and together, those efforts can transform lives and communities.
