Transplant recipient represents SA at World Transplant Games

AFTER receiving a lifesaving kidney from his wife in 2012, Devan Naidu represented South Africa at the World Transplant Games in Germany, finishing in the top 10 for pétanque and helping the national team secure 8th place overall.

According to Wikipedia, pétanque falls into the category of boules sports. Players or teams play their boules/balls towards a target ball.

His journey from kidney failure to international athlete, highlights the transformative power of organ donation.

Naidu, 54, of Mount Edgecombe, said participating in the games was a reminder that he had been given a second chance at life.In 2012, his world came crashing when he was diagnosed with chronic nephritis – his kidney function had dropped to 6%.

“At the time, I had severe headaches but did not pay much attention to it. This continued for a while and I eventually went to the doctor.“He found that my pressure had spiked. Further investigations led to me being diagnosed with kidney failure,” said Naidu.

He said he was initially in denial about his diagnosis.

“I struggled to accept my condition. I thought, ‘this could not be me, I am fit and young’. I was only 42 at the time,” said Naidu.

But the reality set in when his wife, Raveena Singh-Naidu, offered to donate one of her kidneys to him.

“It turned out my wife was a perfect match in more ways than one. She supported me from the day my diagnosis was made, and was adamant that she wanted to be my donor.

“Thankfully, she was a perfect match for me,” he said.

“Her gift did not only give me life, but the strength and determination to live it fully. Now, 13 years later, I have turned that gift into purpose. I proudly represented South Africa in pétanque at the World Transplant Games in Germany,” he added.

Naidu was part of a team of over 60 athletes representing South Africa.

Out of the 50 participating countries, South Africa achieved an impressive eighth place overall, bringing home 71 medals(25 gold, 20 silver and 26 bronze), Naidu said.

“Representing South Africa meant the world to me. Wearing the Green Protea Blazer and representing my country was a dream come true.

“I am deeply grateful to my wife and our daughter, Aradhana, for always encouraging me to keep going and believe in myself. In my event, which had over 50 competitors, I proudly finished in the top 10,” he said.

“Pétanque is not a common sport locally, but in Europe it is quite popular. Playing abroad was a bit of a challenge as most of the competitors compete regularly in leagues. They are difficult opponents to compete against. But I was pleased with my results as I had played among the best,” he added.

Naidu, the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Transplant Association, said he was passionate about raising awareness for organ donation.

“I encourage all South Africans to consider becoming donors. You have the power to save lives. I am living proof of what that second chance can mean.”

Looking forward to the next chapter in his life, Naidu said his daughter Aradhana kept him on track with fitness.

“She loves the gym and gets both of us going on regular walks and doing fitness routines. I went through so much of trauma when I was diagnosed. But now I wake up every morning, grateful for life. My goal was always to be there for my daughter and to play with my grandkids. I can hopefully live that dream now,” he said.

The World Transplant Games celebrates the triumph of the human spirit and the life-changing impact of organ donation.It brings together athletes from across the globe who have received lifesaving organ transplants. These athletes embody resilience, gratitude, and the power of a second chance at life.

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