Low blood stocks leave SANBS staff feeling dismayed

Got 15 minutes to spare? Donate blood and save a life.

February 4, 2026

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

Three women pout while holding empty blood donor bags — Give the staff at the SANBS Northmead Donor Centre something to smile about. Phlebotomists Lesego Mashaba (left), Michaela Ludick and Mildred Ramaremisa are upset that their donor bags are empty. Photo: Jani de Beer

Phlebotomists at the SANBS Northmead Donor Centre are pouting and sulking, waiting for blood donors to fill up their donor bags.

The juices are chilled and the biscuits are crumbly fresh, ready to be served to eligible donors weighing more than 50kg and between the ages of 16 and 75.

Stocks of safe blood is currently critically low thus placing the lives of others at risk.

Come turn the SANBS’ staff members’ frowns upside down, roll up your sleeve and leave the centre feeling like a modern day hero.

The donor centre is located at 2 Fourteenth Avenue, Northmead, and is open from 10:00 to 18:00 daily and 08:30 to 14:00 on Saturdays.

For more information, contact 011 897 4951.

ALSO READ: SANBS wants your blood

ALSO READ: #BloodDonorMonth: Myths about blood donation debunked

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February 4, 2026

Jani de Beer 1 minute read

Jani de Beer

Jani went from working as a student intern for the Boksburg Advertiser to being employed as a junior journalist in 2004. Taking time out to start a family, she returned to the Caxton family in 2022 as senior journalist for the Benoni City Times. Her passion is telling her community's stories.