Human Rights Day, marked annually on 21 March, is a national observation and proclamation of the rights we enjoy in our country. This iconic day is a reminder of the price that was paid for the human rights that we enjoy today.

Health is a basic human right

Every year, thousands of South Africans receive life-saving blood transfusions that are made possible by the selfless acts of our donors. A right that we all enjoy, owing to the comprehensive South African Bill of Rights preserved in our constitution.

For over 21 years, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has been driven by its mission, to save lives and ensure that every citizen has access to blood transfusions when they are in need. This cannot be done without the invaluable contribution of dedicated donors.

Each one bring one

This year, SANBS is not only encouraging healthy members of the public to visit their nearest donor centre to do their part for Human Rights Day; but it is asking each one to bring one. As was demonstrated by the powerful movement that gave rise to Human Rights Day, SANBS believes that there is power in numbers.

“We observe Human Rights Day to emphasise our commitment to equal access to healthcare services – which is one of our constitutional human rights. Inspired by this year’s theme, #LeaveNoOneBehind, we encourage South Africans to bring someone along to their donation this Human Rights Day weekend,” said Thandi Mosupye, SANBS Senior Manager: Marketing Communication and Brand.

Donate 17–21 March

SANBS has set themselves a target of collecting 14 000 units of blood for the period 17–21 March 2023. Let’s come together with our families, friends and neighbours to provide much needed blood for our nation, leaving no one behind. 

Follow @theSANBS on all major social media platforms for updates. 

To be eligible to donate blood, you have to be between 16 and 75 years old and weigh more than 50kg.

We’re sure that you’re excited to visit a blood drive in your area to help us reach our 14 000 units target this Human Rights Day weekend! To make it easier for you, we’ve included a list of blood drives in your area where you and your buddy can donate. #EachOneBringOne 

You can also support the campaign by your active participation on social media platforms. You can support this initiative by updating your profile image on WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook, using SANBS’ latest #EachOneBringOne Twibbon. Follow the steps below to update your profile:

Twibbon Instructions  
A Twibbon is a brand overlay that sits over the top of your profile picture. Please use the #EachOnBringOne twibbon below to show your support between 17–21 March 2023. The same instructions can be used to update WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter Twibbons.

•Click the twibbon using the link on the image above.

•Click the ‘Add to Facebook/Twitter’ button (you’ll see your profile image with the #EachOneBringOne campaign artwork around it).

•Resize and position the Twibbon to suit your profile image.

•Click ‘Add the Twibbon to Facebook/Twitter’ button.

•Click ‘Set as your Facebook profile picture’.

•Click ‘Make profile pic’ (from here you can resize if you want to).

•To finish – click ‘Crop and Save’.

Supplied