News24 | Mom gives up kidney to save her teenage son’s life – now he is thriving

Rosemary Kgobisa donated one of her kidneys to save the life of her then 15-year-old son, Ditshegofatso.

• Three years ago, Rosemary Kgobisa donated her kidney to her 15-year-old son, Ditshegofatso ‘DK’ Kgobisa, after he was diagnosed with kidney failure.
• The Kgobisa family, including DK’s father and brother, played a central role in his care alongside dedicated healthcare teams at Montana Hospital and the National Renal Care dialysis centre.
• Now healthy and thriving, DK and his family are raising awareness about kidney and organ donation.

When 15-year-old Ditshegofatso ‘DK’ Kgobisa was diagnosed with kidney failure, his mother, Rosemary Kgobisa, stepped forward to donate one of her kidneys, ultimately saving his life.

Following a successful transplant and months of recovery, the Kgobisa family is now using their experience to raise awareness about organ donation.

In December 2021, DK started vomiting without a clear reason. Their family doctor, Dr Lillian Sanyane, recommended emergency blood tests.

The results immediately showed that he had kidney failure, and DK was admitted to the emergency room that very night. The day after his admission, the family met with a specialist nephrologist, who explained that a kidney transplant was necessary.

READ | What holds South Africans back from donating organs?

Rosemary, her husband Ishmael, and her eldest son Boikobo, immediately got tested for kidney function and compatibility.

“By the grace of God, we were all a match,” Rosemary said. “All three of us wanted to donate; we didn’t think twice about it. We wanted to help him out, save his life, and help him get the best out of it. It’s nothing I needed convincing of.”

Although Ishmael wanted to donate his kidney, the results showed that Rosemary’s kidney function was higher, and it was decided that it would be best if she was the donor.

DK’s older brother, Boikobo, also wanted to donate, but didn’t meet South Africa’s criteria of organ donors being over 25 years of age.

‘It wasn’t a smooth journey’

Rosemary underwent three months of tests to ensure that her health wouldn’t be negatively impacted by donating. DK had dialysis three times a week, four hours per session, for the next 11 months.

“During the time that my son was sick, it wasn’t a smooth journey. His health was basically deteriorating the whole time,” said Rosemary.

READ | I gave my boyfriend one of my kidneys to save his life – then he cheated on me

DK’s red blood cells weren’t reproducing at the required rate, and the many injections weren’t helping. His kidney failure also caused him to have uncontrollable high blood pressure, creating a bleed in his brain that led to major head surgery.

Rosemary was grateful that Montana Hospital offered lots of support during this time, helping them pull through this difficult journey.

“We built great relationships with the ICU nurses and doctors. The people from the NRC (National Renal Care) dialysis centre in Montana were very supportive. They were honestly amazing.”

DK is now 18, and his parents and brother were his biggest supporters from day one, while the experience also strengthened his faith.

He reflected:

“Before this happened, I wasn’t actually that close with God, but after, I am starting to see the miracles that he did. I’m starting to get closer and closer to Him.”

100% kidney functionality

DK is now healthy. He has gone from doing four to two check-ups a year due to the stability of his health.

His proud mom said he can now boast of having 100% kidney functionality.

“He is a very happy boy; he loves creative arts, he loves music, he loves art, drama, acting, singing. He just wanted to be a music producer one day,” said a proud Rosemary.

The Kgobisa family now want to provide hope to those who are dealing with kidney failure and aims to raise awareness about organ donation.

“For us as a family, it’s important to share our experience to show that good outcomes are possible for people with kidney failure,” Rosemary added. 

READ | Gift of life: Kearsney College deputy head donates kidney to former pupil

“Our journey highlights that organ transplants save lives and what it really means to our family to have our prayers for DK answered. I would like to encourage everyone to consider registering as an organ donor, as it’s the greatest gift to give another person a chance at life.”

NRC’s northeast business manager, Mary Mosetlha, also stressed the importance of support during this time.

“A supportive family is so important, especially for young patients on dialysis. I must commend the Kgobisas for surrounding DK with love and ensuring his treatment compliance,” Mosetlha added.

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