Every day, South Africans are waiting for life-saving organ and tissue transplants. By registering as a donor, you can save up to 7 lives and improve the quality of life for many more. Join thousands of South Africans in making a difference today.
One donor can save 7 lives and enhance up to 50 more through tissue donation.
South Africa faces a critical organ donation crisis, with less than 0.2% of the population registered as donors, despite pioneering the world’s first heart transplant in 1967. The absence of a legally compliant donor registration process, as mandated by the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003 (NHA), results in unfulfilled donor wishes and one of the lowest deceased donor rates globally.
Historically, organ donor registration in South Africa relied on outdated
methods like donor cards or stickers on driver’s licenses. However, these
systems did not meet the legal requirements of the NHA. As a result, historical registrations were not binding and served primarily for statistical purposes, often requiring family consent at the time of death. This led to many potential donors’ wishes being unfulfilled, as families faced difficult decisions under emotional strain.
OrTiDA is addressing this gap by establishing a secure, legally compliant Digital Donor Registry Database and deploying biometric scanners in hospitals to rapidly identify registered donors, streamlining the transplant process.
What is OrTiDA?
The Organ and Tissue Donor Association of South Africa (OrTiDA) is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO Reg. No. 321-462) committed to transforming the landscape of organ and tissue donation in South Africa.
OrTiDA is spearheading the development of a secure, legally compliant Digital Donor Registry Database and Biometric Scanner System, aimed at modernising and streamlining the organ donation process across the country. We are proud to be the only organisation in South Africa with a legally compliant organ donor database, aligned with the provisions of the National Health Act No. 61 of 2003.
Prior to OrTiDA’s establishment of an organ donor database for South Africa there was no organ donor registration process which would permit the wishes of an organ donor to be adhered to. Organ donation in South Africa is therefore currently heavily dependent on a person’s next-of-kin honouring their wishes to be an organ donor.
About Organ and Tissue Donation in South Africa
Organ and tissue donation involves donating organs (e.g., heart, liver, kidneys) or tissues (e.g., corneas, skin, bone) after death to help those in need. In South Africa, thousands are on waiting lists for transplants, and your decision to donate can transform their lives.
Why Donate?
- Save lives: One donor can save up to 7 people through organ donation.
- Enhance lives: Tissue donation can improve the quality of life for up to 50 others.
- Leave a legacy: Your gift is a lasting act of generosity.
Who Can Donate?
Anyone over the age of 16, regardless of medical history, or lifestyle, can register to be a donor.
The Donation Process
1. Register: Join the South African Organ Donor Registry.
2. Share the News: Let your loved ones know your wishes.
3. Donation: After death, medical teams assess suitability and coordinate donation.
4. Transplantation: Organs and tissues are transplanted to recipients in need.
Register as a Donor
Registering to be an organ and tissue donor is quick and easy. It takes just a minute to make a life-changing decision.
How to Register
Sign up online through our secure South African Organ Donor Registry. You’ll need your ID number and a few personal details. You can also specify which organs or tissues you wish to donate.
Get Involved
Join our mission to raise awareness and increase organ and tissue donation across South Africa. There are many ways you can support OrTiDA — every action brings us closer to saving lives.
Become a Financial Partner
OrTiDA is seeking funding partners to support the development of our Digital Donor Registry and Biometric Scanner Project, designed to transform organ and tissue donation in South Africa. Your contribution helps build secure, life-saving systems that honour donor wishes and save lives. Contact us at Gary@ortida.org.za
Media Contribution
Help us spread the word!
Whether you are part of the media, a content creator, or just passionate about the cause, you can help raise awareness by sharing our message.
Volunteer with Us
Become a Community Champion! Volunteers help with community talks, events, and awareness campaigns.
Spread the Word
Share our resources on social media, in your workplace, or community to inspire others to register. Your voice can inspire someone to register as a life-saving donor.