As South Africans ease into the new year, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is appealing to the public to start 2026 by donating blood, as national blood stocks remain below optimal levels following the festive season.

January is historically a challenging period for blood collections. Holiday travel, reduced workplace and campus blood drives, and disrupted donor routines over December all contribute to a noticeable drop in donations, while the demand for blood remains constant.

Emergency medical care, childbirth, trauma cases and the treatment of chronic conditions continue year-round, placing sustained pressure on available blood supplies.

Behind these numbers are real people — mothers, fathers, children and families in hospitals across the country — whose recovery, and in some cases survival, depends on the availability of donated blood.

SANBS is particularly encouraging donors with O and B blood groups who are due to donate to visit donor centres early in the year. O-negative blood is critical in emergencies, while group B plays a key role in maintaining balanced stock levels. That said, SANBS emphasises that all blood groups are needed and welcome.

“January is a challenging month for collections, but it is also an opportunity,” says Thandi Mosupye, senior manager of marketing, communication and brand at SANBS. “If donors make time to donate early in the year, we can quickly stabilise the national blood supply and ensure hospitals continue caring for patients without interruption.”

A single blood donation takes only minutes and can save up to three lives. The SANBS is urging all eligible donors to visit their nearest donor centre or mobile blood drive and help ensure a strong start to the year for patients who depend on blood transfusions.

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