By Anita Dangazele
- Gugulethu photographer Luvuyo Wogqoyi is raising R100,000 for dialysis after Stage 5 kidney failure and heart complications stopped him from working.
- Doctors say his heart is too weak for a kidney transplant, making ongoing dialysis his only option, and he can no longer afford the medical aid and transport it requires.
Luvuyo Wogqoyi spent years photographing other people’s biggest moments. Now he needs South Africans to help him see his own daughter grow up.
The Gugulethu photographer and videographer, known for his work with artists and brands like Capitec and Sportscene, has Stage 5 kidney failure, meaning his kidneys have lost most of their ability to function, along with related heart complications.
Doctors have told him his heart is currently too weak for him to qualify for a kidney transplant, leaving ongoing dialysis as his main treatment. He says he is now at risk of losing access to hospital-based chronic dialysis and needs to secure medical aid, treatment and transport to keep receiving care.
Since becoming ill, Wogqoyi has been unable to work.
“I miss seeing all those smiles, laughter and poses from my clients,” he said.
“Unfortunately, I had to stop working when I became sick.”
His Save a Life campaign on BackaBuddy has raised more than R63,000 toward its R100,000 goal, with 239 donors contributing so far. Within the first 48 hours alone, 138 people gave more than R36,000.
At the centre of his appeal is his six-year-old daughter.
“I am asking for a chance to live for the sake of my six-year-old daughter who needs her father,” he said.
He wants to be there for her school years, her birthdays and the ordinary moments still ahead.
“I believe I can still make a difference in the world with my photography skills,” he added, hopeful that improving his health could one day let him pick up a camera again.
“Any amount will make a difference,” Wogqoyi said.
“The little you can give will help me live longer to see my lovely daughter grow up. If not for me, please do it for my daughter.”
Pictured above: Cape Town photographer Luvuyo Wogqoyi.
Image source:Supplied
