iSecure Security, in partnership with River Creek Marloth Park and Nyati Safari Bush Camp, hosted a Mandela Day blood drive on Friday, July 17.

The event was held at Valencia Wholesalers in Mbombela with the aim of getting at least 100 people to donate blood in honour of the late former president Nelson Mandela.

Mandela’s birthday is on July 18 and is commemorated globally through 67 minutes of service for the benefit of communities.

The initiative was led by iSecure marketing executive Michelle Oosthuizen, who said she was inspired by Mandela’s words. “The late president once said, ‘It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it,’ and this made me understand that we need each other in this world.

When one person donates blood, it means three lives have been saved. That’s an important impact,” said Oosthuizen.

Inspiring community action

She added that this was the third consecutive year the drive had taken place, and that it was her 50th time donating blood.

“The number 50 had to double. This is why we called for at least 100 people to donate on Friday. We knew Mandela Day was on a Saturday, but realised we might not get people on that day, hence we chose the day before,” Oosthuizen said.

“I am proud to announce that we managed to get 106 people to donate,” she added.

Pints for a purpose

Luan van Dyk and his wife Chloe were among those who donated. Asked what motivated him, Van Dyk said ‘my wife’, adding that if she had not spoken about the importance of blood donation, he would not have been there.

Oosthuizen was assisted on the day by Jaco Nagel, Braam Oosthuizen, Stephan Coetzer and Gerhard Oosthuizen.