Central SA
SANBS celebrates 25 years of saving lives with new blood donor campaign─── ZENANDE MPAME 13:15 Wed, 03 Jun 2026
The SA National Blood Service is honouring the thousands of South Africans whose blood donations continue to save lives every day.
Recognising June as an important month for blood donor awareness, the organisation launched its new campaign: Be the Lifeline – Give Blood. Give A Tomorrow, as the world prepares to commemorate World Blood Donor Day on 14 June.
By becoming a regular donor, individuals help ensure that the safety of the blood supply is maintained and make it possible for the Blood Service to collect sufficient safe blood to meet demand.
The campaign forms part of this year’s World Blood Donor Day observance and marks a significant milestone for SANBS as it celebrates 25 years of providing a trusted and reliable blood service to South Africans.
“Every day, the SANBS is forever grateful to the regular blood donors who continue to show up when South Africa needs blood,” said Bloemfontein SANBS donor relations practitioner Natalie Booysen.
“You make it possible for patients to have another tomorrow. You are the country's lifeline, and we appreciate each and every single donation.
“Through your blood donation, you can become the lifeline for someone in need. We ask that you spend 30 minutes of your day donating blood. Become part of the Be the Lifeline movement.”
The initiative pays tribute to the thousands of people whose blood donations have helped save lives and supported patients and families during some of their most critical moments.
This year’s campaign focuses on trust, gratitude, and recognition. The campaign will also take the form of encouraging more South Africans, particularly younger generations, to become regular blood donors.
As part of the campaign, SANBS will share real-life stories of donors, recipients, and healthcare workers whose lives have been transformed through blood donation. The organisation hopes these stories will highlight the human impact behind every unit of blood collected.
“For 25 years, South Africans have shown extraordinary generosity through blood donation, and every donor who walks through our doors becomes part of someone else’s tomorrow,” said SANBS CEO Ravi Reddy.
“Every unit of blood donated represents hope, a second chance, and a future still waiting to unfold for someone in need."
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