BEYOND THE FINAL WHISTLE: FNB CPUT RUGBY BOYS STEP UP TO HELP SAVE LIVES.

For a rugby player, courage is often measured in tackles made and metres gained. But on the CPUT Rugby grounds, that courage looked different as the two-time Varsity Shield champions stepped up to register as potential stem cell donors.

A Message Beyond Rugby

The activation was made possible by DHL Stormers rugby player and DKMS Africa ambassador Seabelo Senatla, who visited the young team to share a message about purpose, community, and using sport as a force for good.

Encouraging players to think beyond the next match, Senatla spoke about the impact they can have off the field and how a simple decision today could one day help save a life.

"Rugby has given me a platform to connect with people and make a difference beyond the game. Registering as a stem cell donor only takes a few minutes, but for someone waiting for a transplant, it could mean a lifetime. As athletes, we often speak about teamwork, and this is another way we can show up for others when they need us most," said Senatla.

Seabelo Senatla, DHL Stormers player and DKMS Africa Ambassador

With young adults among the most crucial age groups on the stem cell donor registry, as younger donors are often preferred for stem cell transplants, Senatla reminded the players that registering is more than a once-off action. It is a commitment to being available should they one day be identified as a matching donor for a patient in need.

Stepping Up for Patients

Inspired by his call to action, the players swapped rugby balls for cotton swabs and took a few minutes to join the stem cell donor registry. Their support for the cause did not end there. The team proudly carried the DKMS Africa message onto the field, wearing the cause on their sleeves during match day and welcoming DKMS Africa into their game-day environment.

CPUT Rugby captain Kieran Naidoo said the activation gave players a deeper understanding of blood cancer and the role they can play in helping patients in need.

"As rugby players, we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact. Learning that something as simple as registering as a stem cell donor could potentially save someone's life really put things into perspective. It was an easy decision for many of us to get involved," said Naidoo.

CPUT Rugby players registering as potential stem cell donors

CPUT Rugby Head Coach Allistair Theys added that partnerships like these help raise awareness among supporters, teammates, and the wider rugby community about the urgent need for more stem cell donors.

"Sport brings people together and creates teachable moments. In this case, many of our players were not aware of who DKMS Africa is or the important work the organisation does. This partnership help equip young people with knowledge that extends beyond the rugby field and encourages them to become active contributors to their communities,” said Theys.

As South Africa marks Youth Month, the activation serves as a reminder that the power of youth extends far beyond sport. Through rugby and other community-driven initiatives, young people have the ability to step up, unite, and create meaningful change.

For patients waiting for a matching stem cell donor, that first step could mean everything.