At the DP World Wanderers Stadium, where legends are made and cricket glory unfolds, a different kind of moment played out—one not measured in runs or wickets but in compassion and hope.
Fourteen-year-old Iminathi, who lives with severe aplastic anaemia, was the special guest of the DP World Lions and national cricket captain Temba Bavuma. His visit marked a powerful collaboration between the team and DKMS Africa, aimed at raising awareness for blood cancer and blood disorders—and the urgent need for stem cell donors in South Africa.
For Iminathi, this wasn’t just a day at the stadium. It was a reminder that even in the face of a life-threatening condition, he is not alone.
A Personal Fight with Global Implications
In 2020, Iminathi’s life took a dramatic turn. What began as a persistent flu and blocked nose soon revealed a rare blood disorder—one where his bone marrow no longer produces enough blood cells. Today, he relies on weekly transfusions to stay alive. His only real chance at survival? A stem cell transplant.
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But matching donors are hard to come by, especially for Black, Coloured, and Asian patients. Just 1 in 100,000 registered donors globally may be a match, due to genetic complexity and underrepresentation in donor registries.
Temba Bavuma Stands Up
Moved by Iminathi’s story, Bavuma spent the day walking with him through the famous players’ tunnel, sharing stories, and encouraging fans to take action.
“Spending time with Iminathi was emotional and incredibly grounding,” said Bavuma. “You see a child full of dreams and light—and then realise he’s going through something most of us can’t even imagine. My message to South Africans is this: You have the power to save a life. Registering as a stem cell donor doesn’t cost you anything but time—and for someone else, it could be everything.”
A Legacy Beyond the Boundary Rope
For the DP World Lions, this was more than a media moment—it was a meaningful act of solidarity. Chief Executive Officer Jono Leaf-Wright spoke passionately about the club’s broader mission.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do. Our stadiums might be built for competition, but our legacy is built on connection—to our fans, our communities, and the causes that need us most.”
By opening their doors to DKMS Africa and hosting a donor registration drive, the Lions gave a louder voice to patients waiting for a match. For Leaf-Wright, this is what true leadership looks like—on and off the pitch.
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“Leadership is about impact, influence, and inspiration. Hosting Iminathi wasn’t just an act of support. It was a reminder that sport has the power to unite, uplift, and save lives.”
Changing the Game Through Compassion
The initiative also included sessions where DKMS Africa spoke directly to the Lions’ staff and players, turning clinical statistics into human stories.
“When our players and staff engage directly with the cause, it personalises the issue. It turns numbers into names—and challenges into calls to action,” said Leaf-Wright. “It also reminds us all: whether we wear a jersey or sit in the stands, we each have the power to make a difference.”
A Call to South Africans: Be the Match
Every hour, someone in South Africa is diagnosed with a life-threatening blood disorder. And for many, a stem cell transplant is the only path to survival. With campaigns like this, the DP World Lions are helping to shift the narrative—moving awareness out of hospital wards and into the heart of South African sport.
And for Iminathi, his visit to the Wanderers wasn’t just a tour—it was a celebration of hope.
