Born in Durban, South Africa, Ndumiso was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis in 2007, leading to years of dialysis, infections, and fatigue. With unwavering support from his grandmother and strength from his faith, he endured until 2014, when his sister Amanda donated a kidney that transformed his life. Despite setbacks like COVID-19, he completed his studies, became a Chartered Accountant, and now works internationally. Together with Amanda, he founded the One Kidney Foundation to raise awareness and support others. His journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the gift of organ donation.
I was born in a township south of Durban, but thanks to my parents’ hard work, we moved to the suburbs in the early ’90s as apartheid laws were repealed. As a child, I was often ill, battling asthma and pneumonia, but I refused to let it define me. Resilience was in my blood, instilled in me by my ambitious and hardworking parents.
But life took a devastating turn when both my parents passed away in 2005, just two months apart. Their loss left me shattered, yet I pressed on. Two years later, I noticed swelling in my legs and feet after gym sessions, but I dismissed it as harmless. Looking back, I realized I had ignored the warning signs of kidney disease. If only I had known then what I know now.
In December 2007, my world changed forever. I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis and placed on dialysis. The first hospital I was admitted to advised me to drink as much water as possible, unaware that they were worsening my condition. A week later, I was transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, where nephrologists and rheumatologists finally provided the care I needed. Blood tests confirmed that my own body was attacking itself. I struggled with extreme fatigue, joint pain, weight gain, and inflammation.
Dialysis was exhausting – four-hour sessions, three times a week, but the emotional toll was just as severe. I attempted to continue my studies, but infections and relentless fatigue made it impossible. Seizures soon followed, and I spent two years on tubercolosis meningitis medication. Yet, even in my weakest moments, I was never alone. My grandmother was always by my side, waiting patiently through every dialysis session. She showed me God’s love through her unwavering devotion, always reminding me of John 3:16. Her faith inspired me, and at 21, I made the same decision to surrender my life to Christ. On 14 September 2013, I was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Even after giving my life to God, my challenges did not disappear, but I had peace that surpassed all understanding.
| Miraculously, I was put back on the transplant list after volunteering as a test subject for nephrology research | During this time, doctors discovered my swollen liver had healed, which had previously delayed my transplant. My sister Amanda, who had been ready to donate her kidney since 2012, gave me hope to keep fighting. |
But hope was tested again. In November 2013, just before my transplant, I caught the flu, delaying the surgery once more. This time, I wasn’t discouraged. I trusted that when the time was right, God would make it happen. That time finally came on 10 February 2014.
Waking up after the transplant was pure joy. For years, I had been limited to just 500ml of fluids daily, but now I had to drink over 5 litres! The simple act of urinating again felt like a miracle. Amanda and I recovered well and were discharged a few days later.
In 2019, I completed my studies and regained my bursary with Deloitte, which I had originally received in 2009 but had to forfeit due to my illness. I finally entered the corporate world, gaining valuable experience. But the challenges were not over. In 2020, I was hospitalized with COVID-19. I then recovered and was discharged on New Year’s Eve. In 2021, I suffered from long COVID and was admitted for heart palpitations. Doctors scheduled me for pacemaker surgery, and the issue resolved over the weekend, with no surgery needed.
Through everything, God protected me. In 2022, Amanda founded the One Kidney Foundation, and together, we have worked to raise awareness about kidney disease and transplantation. Too many people suffer in silence, misinformed and unsupported. Through our foundation, we aim to offer hope, education, and financial assistance to those in need.
Today, I am a qualified Chartered Accountant with international experience. I have been blessed to travel the world, something I never imagined possible during my years on dialysis. Every day, I wake up with gratitude—for my sister’s selfless sacrifice and for the opportunity to help others on their journey.
Disclaimer: The blog series is intended for informational purposes only and is not meant to endorse or promote any specific drug, product, or brand. Each individual’s experience is unique and should not be construed as medical advice or a guarantee of similar results for others. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding your health and well-being.
