The liver transplant programme at Groote Schuur Hospital was born out of a rich history of experimental liver transplantation and an active liver clinic. Professor John Terblanche has played a key role in the initiation and success of the programme. In the first 10 years since October 1988, 41 adults have undergone liver transplantation. The cumulative graft survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 74% and 62% respectively.