WITH September being a Heritage Month where South Africans celebrate their cultural differences, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) calls on everyone to celebrate something everyone has in common which is blood.
This is after the organisation faced a decline in blood stocks.
SANBS needs type O and B blood donors to cope with decreasing supplies.
“The number of donors is currently low, and we hope that South Africa will have a consistent blood supply. Today South Africa has 2.7-day supplies. Any donors who wish to donate can help increase the inventory,” said Thandi Mosupye, head of marketing, branding and communications at SANBS.
According to Mosupye, expressing our heritage goes beyond pride in our cultural roots, which also means embracing South Africa's complex and diverse community.
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“As you plan special celebrations for the upcoming Heritage Day weekend, take the time to help improve one of our nation's most valuable resources: our nation's blood supply. Donating blood is a great way to learn that you can give more time to someone else, to enjoy more celebratory moments with friends and family. We invite you to take 30 minutes to save lives during Heritage Month,” Mosupye said.
SANBS said they are planning various blood drives across the country and additional weekend blood drives to ensure a stable blood supply during this difficult time.
They said that meeting the need is only possible with the help of consistent and committed donors since donating blood isn't just about the person receiving the blood: It's not just about the blood but saving the nation.
To find out where you can donate blood, visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031, or follow them on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS), TikTok (@thesanbs) and Instagram (@thesanbs).
