Selling Stool for Cash: South Africans Embrace an Unconventional Income Opportunity
Selling Stool for Cash: South Africans Embrace an Unconventional Income Opportunity
South Africans are abuzz with talk of a surprising new way to earn money—selling stool for medical and research purposes.
How Does Stool Donation Work?
While stool donation is well-known internationally, many South Africans were unaware of its potential for financial gain. Zaca revealed that donors could earn around R9,000 per stool, making it an attractive option for regular donors.
Stool is primarily used in medical research and treatments such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which helps treat gastrointestinal disorders and other health concerns.
An article from Jacaranda FM noted that stool donor networks in countries like the United States and Canada pay up to $500 (approximately R8,900) per donation.
Over the course of a year, dedicated donors can earn up to R3.2 million, highlighting the lucrative nature of this unusual opportunity.
What Are the Requirements for Stool Donation?
Becoming a stool donor isn’t as simple as it sounds. To ensure the safety and effectiveness of medical treatments, there are stringent criteria donors must meet. Here’s what the process typically involves:
- Health Screening: Donors complete a comprehensive questionnaire about their health and lifestyle.
Verification Process: The stool type and overall physical fitness of the donor are assessed.
Interview: Candidates undergo a video interview to further evaluate their eligibility.
Medical Tests: Both stool and blood tests are conducted, with the costs typically covered by the organization or medical facility.
This rigorous process ensures that only the healthiest individuals qualify, as the stool is used in sensitive medical procedures.
Zaca’s TikTok video about stool donation went viral, amassing thousands of comments and sparking curiosity among South Africans. The reactions ranged from humorous to amazed:
@molls_mams joked, “I just flushed R18k today.”
@Gap Kwiin calculated, “I have five kids, so we’re carrying R54,000 right now.”
@Khutso Mahlaela quipped, “Finally! A profession I can excel in.”
However, not everyone was optimistic, with @Nish noting, “It’s not as easy as it sounds; not everyone qualifies.”
A New Way to Earn Amid Economic Challenges
Amid South Africa’s rising unemployment rates, many are looking for alternative ways to make ends meet.
While stool donation might not be feasible for everyone, it has opened up conversations about unconventional income opportunities.
Stool Donation on the Global Stage
Internationally, stool donation has long been recognized as a valuable resource for medical research and treatments.
Organizations such as Human Microbes in the U.S. collect and distribute healthy stool for procedures like FMT. These treatments are vital for addressing conditions such as Clostridioides difficile infections and irritable bowel syndrome.
Conclusion
Dominic Zaca’s viral revelation has shed light on an unexpected but lucrative income stream. For those who meet the requirements, stool donation could offer a life-changing financial opportunity.
As more South Africans consider this path, it highlights how even the most unconventional resources can hold significant value.
