Se-Anne Rall|Published
For Ford Levi Hartze, life was a journey marked by extraordinary courage, deep faith and a determination to fulfil his dreams, even when the odds were stacked against him. His life touched so many people, some who knew him personally and others who have read about his remarkable journey, and even in death, he continues to inspire communities.
The 15-year-old from Wentworth died on October 15, 2026, after a lifelong battle with Eisenmenger Syndrome, a rare and serious condition affecting the heart and lungs.
And while his life was far shorter than his loved ones would have hoped, Ford’s story was one of milestones achieved against medical odds, prayers answered, and a final act of generosity that would change the lives of two strangers.
Even in death, the teenager gave others a chance to see the world more clearly.
His battle began before birth
Ford was born on September 15, 2011. He was the second-born son to his parents, Alecia Hartze and Clayton Saville.
At 35 weeks into the pregnancy, a gynaecologist discovered an abnormal development on the left side of his heart.
His mother was referred to a paediatric cardiologist at Umhlanga Hospital, followed by further referrals to Albert Luthuli Hospital and the specialised cardiac unit at Sunninghill Hospital in Johannesburg. He was diagnosed with Eisenmenger Syndrome.
The prognosis was devastating. Doctors reportedly warned that Ford might survive for only three days after birth and suggested terminating the pregnancy. But his family remained steadfast in their faith and hope.
When he was born, his strong cry offered a moment of encouragement. From the very beginning, the little boy who had faced such uncertainty before birth began a journey that would repeatedly challenge expectations.
A life lived beyond medical predictions
His health eventually prevented him from completing his schooling, but it did not stop him from holding on to the things that mattered most to him.
His father, Clayton, died on March 27, 2018, after a metro police vehicle crashed into the red Toyota Yaris he was driving.
The dream that kept Ford fighting
By late 2025, Ford's cardiologist warned that he would not survive to see the end of the year.
For a family already accustomed to uncertainty, it was a devastating prospect. But Ford still had dreams he wanted to fulfil.
One of his greatest wishes was to complete his religious Confirmation and become a doorkeeper in his congregation.
He survived another intensive hospital stay and, in February 2026, achieved that dream.
Celebrating his 15th crown birthday
On September 15, 2026, Ford celebrated his 15th crown birthday.
The occasion marked another milestone for a boy whose future had so often been uncertain.
His story was not simply about surviving against the odds. It was also about making memories, holding on to dreams and embracing the moments that mattered.
On October 13, 2026, Ford was admitted to St Augustine’s Hospital with a stomach complaint and was placed in the medical intensive care unit.
Two days later, on October 15, he experienced severe pain and went into physical spasms after receiving an antibiotic.
During the distressing episode, he communicated with his mother and grandparents, telling them that his heart had stopped. He then suffered cardiac arrest and died.
Ford's final gift
Ford's dying wish was for his corneas to be donated. They were. And now two people living in Cape Town have been given the opportunity to see again.
For his family, the donation offers a measure of comfort amid their grief. Although they have lost a beloved son, brother and grandson, part of his legacy will live on through two people whose lives may be transformed by his final gift.
The transplant unit plans to place a plaque at a Cape Town hospital and another in the Botanical Gardens to raise awareness about organ donation.
Ford’s donation is a powerful reminder of how one person’s decision, made possible through the generosity of loved ones, can offer hope to others.
His final act of giving has extended his story beyond his own family and community, allowing his legacy to continue through the lives of two recipients.
He could not control the condition that shaped his life, nor could he know how much time he would have. But he continued to reach for his dreams, celebrated the milestones he achieved and, through his donated corneas, gave two people the chance to see again.
Ford's funeral will take place at the New Apostolic Church, located at 33 Clausia Road, Merewent, on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
IOL