More blood donors are needed in Limpopo
There is a shortage of blood in Limpopo and nationally overall.
This is according to Wisani Hlongwani, donor care officer at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) in the Mopani district. Hlongwani says it is important for citizens to donate blood as the health and lives of many depend on it. “When you donate blood, you are saving a life. “During the festive season, we had a lot of trauma incidents such as accidents and stabbings, which caused a high demand for blood,” he said.
He said that the shortage in blood supply was also due to technical issues experienced by a new digital donating system, but that the setback has been overcome. He explained that the blood bank is in constant need of blood because the life span of red cells is 42 days, and the collected blood will only last four days.
“Only people between the ages of 16 and 75 and above can donate and a donor has to weigh 50kg and above and live a healthy lifestyle.” Shane Machete from Shiluvana village has been donating blood since 2018 and believes he is much healthier because of it. “I used to lift weights as a gymnast and sometimes, after exercising, it would feel as though my blood was boiling.
Also read: Call to donate blood as SANBS faces critically low blood stock levels
Ever since I donate blood, I feel much healthier and lighter.” He also believes his immune system is much stronger. “When I donate blood, new cells develop. I want to encourage people to become donors, it is not only good for you, but also for the person who needs the blood,” he said. It was Pretty Mokgolobotho from Khujwana village (26) seventh blood donation.
In 2013 her mother was sick and had to regularly receive blood transfusions. She then realised that donating blood saves lives. “I’m doing it because I know I’m saving a life and allowing someone to receive treatment,” she said. The Mopani office is based on Peace Street in Tzaneen and is only open on Tuesdays between 12:00 and 18:00.
On other days they are out of the office on donating drives. For more information call the provincial office for centres near you at 015 283 3600 or the Mopani office at 015 283 3624.
