The SANBS supplies over one million blood products annually and is rated among the top blood services in the world.  This pedigree is because of world-class testing and collection protocols, which ensure that the blood, which is transfused, is always of top quality. The blood is processed into red blood cells, plasma, and platelets – therefore a single blood donation can save up to three lives. 

Jaco de Waal spoke to Jana Wallace, the SANBS Head of Donor Relations in the Free and the Northern Cape, to find out more about the current critical blood stock shortage. Listen here:

Become a hero

Dirk van der Westhuizen and Frederik Oosthuizen have collectively dedicated 109 years and have saved approximately 1 824 lives in the process.

Their loyalty, and that of our many committed donors, have saved lives for many years. The SANBS is grateful for this support, and as we are faced with critical blood stock levels, SANBS is reaching out to more South Africans to lend a hand in saving lives.

We are appealing to all members of the public who are able and willing to donate much-needed blood.

“We are in the midst of a bloodstock crisis as levels continue to drop consistently,” said Siemi Prithvi-Raj, Executive of Donor Services, Marketing, Communication and Brand. “The frigid weather has affected the levels of donations, and that is why we are calling on all willing and able to donate a unit of blood,” she added. Compounding an already difficult situation is the closure of schools and tertiary institutions.

Winter is synonymous with low blood collections when schools and universities close for a break, and the donors we rely on for our much-needed donations dissipate. While SANBS had hoped for better collections this year, the situation remains challenging.

SANBS is especially calling out to South Africans who aren’t yet donors to make their way to their nearest mobile blood drive or donor centre to give much-needed blood. In the spirit of Mandela Month, let us take it into our hands to continue the legacy of giving. New donors will help ease the pressure on the existing donors and help maintain blood stocks at acceptable levels throughout the year.

Whether you bring a friend along or invite us to host a blood drive at your business, residential complex, community centre or local church, you can help to make a difference. Every drop counts.

SANBS must collect at least 3 500 units of blood daily to meet patients’ needs. Each day this target is not met, the total units of available blood deplete further.

To find out where your nearest donor site is, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call toll-free 0800 11 9031.