Speaker, this year almost 3 500 patients are on the waiting list for organ donor transplants, but only about 800 will receive those lifesaving organs before the end of this year.
Not many people think of donating their organs or tissues, until the day when something tragic happens to them and then they find themselves in need of organs or tissues. The demand for tissue donations includes burn victims, cancer patients and hip replacement candidates, whilst the shortage of bone tissues, corneas and skin is very alarming.
The month of August is Organ Donor Month, and the ANC appreciates the generous response from all South Africans. The ANC therefore encourages all South Africans to consider being organ donors to save more and more lives. I thank you. [Applause.]