Seabelo Senatla’s Advocacy For Blood Disease Awareness Through Rugby With DKMS Africa

Seabelo Senatla’s journey as a professional rugby player extends beyond the confines of the game itself. Most athletes will agree that being a team player is essential for individual success. Collaborating with something or someone greater than oneself is crucial not only for personal growth but also in the pursuit of excellence. Senatla truly embodies this philosophy in his role as an ambassador for DKMS Africa, an organisation committed to fighting blood cancer.

In an interview with Forbes.com, Senatla shares his experiences with DKMS Africa, discusses blood disorders, and explains how he is contributing to the fight against the diseases with the support of UWC and the Western Cape Province. His advocacy is particularly meaningful to him, rooted in his personal journey of dependence and recovery following a severe car accident in 2023 that threatened his career.

A Personal Journey Towards Advocacy

Reflecting on his experience, Senatla shared, “I found inspiration in having been in that position myself. In 2023, I was involved in an accident that made me heavily dependent on others for care as I nursed back to health.’

Senatla felt a deep connection to Axola, an aspiring rugby player whose dreams were derailed due to severe aplastic anemia – a type of blood disorder. His familiarity with the sport and understanding of what it means to pursue a dream only to see it endangered motivated him to act.

“Axola is an aspiring rugby player, but unfortunately, his dreams have been compromised because of his disorder. His story resonated with me on a personal level. I remembered my childhood aspirations—rugby is deeply woven into the South African landscape, and all I ever wanted was to play for the Springboks. I saw myself in Axola’s journey, and it brought me closer to the cause.”

Building a Movement Through Rugby

Senatla’s role with DKMS Africa extends beyond personal inspiration. His partnership with the organisation has allowed him to leverage his influence within the rugby fraternity to bring widespread awareness to blood disorders. Over the past few months, Senatla and DKMS Africa have launched initiatives at every level of the sport, starting from grassroots rugby and expanding to professional teams.

“We started at the grassroots level last year within the Western Cape because that’s where we’re stationed. Club rugby here is a massive space with big crowds at games. We targeted club rugby, both from the 15s and 7s rugby fronts.”

Through these efforts, DKMS has Africa educated players and supporters not only about blood diseases but also about how simple it is to register as a stem cell donor—a crucial step in saving lives. The initiative has been well received, with clubs eager to spread the message.

The next phase of the initiative is expanding to the collegiate and professional levels, with The University of the Western Cape (UWC) playing a pivotal role.

UWC Rugby: A Commitment to Social Responsibility

The University of the Western Cape Rugby team (UWC Rugby) is starting an important partnership with DKMS Africa, incorporating this initiative into their Academia, Sport, and Education Management (ASEM) and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programs. This collaboration demonstrates UWC’s strong commitment to fostering social change beyond just the rugby field.

UWC’s involvement in this initiative goes beyond merely participating; it aims to harness the power of sport for advocacy and meaningful impact. By integrating DKMS Africa’s mission into its broader social responsibility framework, UWC Rugby is committed to making this awareness campaign a sustainable movement rather than just a temporary project.

“Right now, we have UWC in our books. They’re playing in the Varsity Cup Shield, so raising awareness through there. We’re quite lucky that the Stormers have been very receptive to having us on board and assisting in spreading the message. A lot of the guys on the team signed up and put it on their platforms—that helps to build awareness,” shares Senatla.

Expanding the Reach: Professional Rugby and Global Impact

The DHL Stormers, one of South Africa’s top rugby teams, have played a vital role in promoting DKMS Africa’s message. Their involvement highlights how professional rugby teams can leverage their influence to create significant social impact. With the Stormers’ large fan base, the potential to raise awareness about blood disorders extends well beyond the borders of the Western Cape.

DKMS Africa aims to increase donor registration, particularly among diverse communities, where finding a genetic match can be more challenging. By engaging with the rugby community, Senatla and DKMS Africa hope to make a lasting difference.

“With the platform that I carry, and the way society sees us, if we are moving in a certain direction, people are more susceptible to move that way too. I’m trying to use this platform that I have to actually do some good, which could save a life. I don’t think there’s work more rewarding and more important than that.”

Raising awareness is just the first step. Senatla emphasises the importance of early detection and dispelling misconceptions about blood disorders like blood cancer. Detecting blood cancer in its early stages can be challenging, as many symptoms may be mistaken for those of other common illnesses. However, recognising key signs can significantly enhance the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

Symptoms of blood cancer may include:

– Unexplained fatigue or weakness

– Frequent infections

– Unexplained weight loss

– Easy bruising or bleeding

– Swollen lymph nodes

– Pale or sallow skin

– Shortness of breath

“Blood cancer is tricky because it’s undetected for the most part. But I think with more awareness of the signs, we can prompt better action. If we understand what we’re looking for, we can detect it quite early, improving the chances of curing it.”

DKMS Africa covers all the costs associated with donor registration, making it accessible to anyone who wants to join the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders.

“Registration is free, simple, and painless. But the effect does it have on the person looking for a match? It will be life-changing.”

A Movement That’s Just Beginning

The collaboration between Senatla and DKMS Africa in the Western Cape is just the beginning of their efforts. They have already improved the chances for people living with blood disorders, and with ongoing collaboration across various levels of rugby, they plan to expand this initiative nationwide.

The University of the Western Cape’s active participation highlights the role of sport as a catalyst for social change. Through its ASEM and CSI-driven programs, UWC is helping to reshape the narrative around community engagement in sports. The involvement of the DHL Stormers also indicates the potential for a global impact, as their extensive fan base can help spread awareness beyond South Africa.

By merging rugby’s strong cultural presence with a life-saving cause, Senatla, UWC, and DKMS Africa are creating a movement that transcends the sport itself—one that has the power to change lives and redefine what it means to be a true team player.