As the Easter period is fast approaching, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) calls upon all South Africans to donate blood, to ensure sufficient stock of safe blood available in South Africa for patients in need this Easter.

The Business Hour's Olebogeng Motse spoke to Monique Schreiner, Head of Donor Relations at SANBS, about the current situation at SANBS in terms of its blood stocks. Listen here:

SANBS needs to collect 3500 units of blood daily in order to meet the demand for blood from hospitals across the country. SANBS is currently aiming at building blood stock levels before the challenging Easter period.

Join the life-saving mission by spending 30 minutes of your day donating precious blood for patients in need this Easter. Donate blood at the Kroonstad, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom Donor Centre’s Easter Blood Drive, Saturday, 11 March 2023 from 09:00 to 14:00 to save hundreds of lives.

Blood donors donate more than just blood, they donate ever-lasting memories, experiences, a second chance at life.

It is because of people like Martie Van der Walt, who at 72 years old had made over 117 whole blood donations, that the SANBS is able to consistently deliver life-saving, safe blood to the nation.

In January 2021, Mosa Mphore, a donor kidney recipient, entered the last stage of rejection. “My doctors decided to place me on plasmapheresis to stop my body from rejecting my kidney,” Mosa remembered. Following an initial 10 rounds of plasma transfusions, Mosa is doing well. “It was like a second transplant for me. The plasma helped to keep my kidney alive. I will forever be grateful.” 

There are many other patients in need of blood transfusions daily such as women haemorrhaging due to pregnancy complications and other gyneacological complications, premature babies, children with severe anaemia, accident trauma patients, surgical and cancer patients.

Thousands of people with chronic and life-threatening conditions who have been given second chances at life. These invaluable, regular donations have given people like Mosa an opportunity to make more memories with their families.

To become a blood donor, you must:

• Be between the ages of 16 and 75 years.

• Weigh 50kg or more.

• Be in good health.

• Lead a healthy lifestyle.

• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.

Donate blood. Your blood saves lives.