On Saturday 25 November, the Saturday Dispatch reported a decline in heart transplants in the public sector.

Speaking at a conference to mark the 50th anniversary of the first human heart transplant in East London, Groote Schuur Hospital cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Tim Pennel reported that only five heart transplants were performed at the hospital this year, compared to the 30 done in the mid-90s.

Of note is that Groote Schuur Hospital is the only public sector facility in the country which performs heart transplant surgery.

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the first heart transplant, performed by Dr Chris Barnard and team on 3 December 2017, the hospital has embarked on a dedicated effort to  highlight organ donation and to secure funds that will enable the hospital to maintain its decades-long reputation for excellence and innovation.