Northern KZN is doing ‘bloody well’ when it comes to regular blood donations. At an awards ceremony at the Battlefields Country Lodge on Saturday, local donors received gifts for their voluntary contributions to saving lives.
Christo Maakal, Chairman of the Blood Donor Committee of Northern KZN, said blood donations in the Northern KZN area are a fine example to other areas.
The unit target for the end of March is 15 565, but already 16 295 units have been donated.
“This is an incredible achievement. Well done to our champions and heroes, who are saving lives,” Mr Maakal said.
Dundee High School is also setting a glowing example: the school is rated in the top three in the country when it comes to blood donations. Mr Maakal said for the past seven years no patient has received contaminated blood from the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).
“Our testing equipment is the best money can buy. One problem we have picked up in South Africa is the low iron content in the blood we are receiving. This could be ascribed to the fact that people are not eating as healthily as they used to.”
Kevin Burge, with 200 units, received special applause. Kevin started donating blood in 1967, while another veteran, Marthinus Deyzel’s first donation was in 1969.
Thandeka Dubazane, Northern KZN SANBS Branch Manager, and Public Relations Officer, Shavani Sewpaul, also thanked donors.
The day ended with a healthy lunch served up for all present.