African Blood Services unite to boost lifesaving donations
Communities all across Africa will join the Red Saturday initiative to donate blood and support lifesaving efforts. read more here:
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) are joining blood services across Africa for Red Saturday, a continent-wide donation initiative taking place on Saturday, November 29.
Locally, SANBS will host donation drives at Newcastle Mall and Theku Mall from 09:00 to 15:00.
The event aims to engage thousands of donors across five nations, South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Tanzania to help address blood shortages and support hospitals in need.
Red Saturday highlights:
- Promotes voluntary blood donation as a lifesaving act.
- Encourages new donors to join and regular donors to continue giving.
- Showcases African solidarity and collective action in healthcare.
“Red Saturday embodies the spirit of African solidarity,” said Marike Carli, PR Manager at WCBS. “By donating blood, we strengthen the bonds that unite us as a continent.”
Blood donation criteria:
- Ages 16–75
- Weight 50kg or more
- In good general health
- Lead a safe sexual lifestyle
The donation process takes around 30 minutes, and donors may give blood every 56 days. Donors are advised to eat a good meal 3–4 hours before donating and increase fluid intake before and after.
“At the South African National Blood Service, we believe that the gift of blood is a shared act of humanity, one that transcends borders and brings our continent closer together,” said Thandi Mosupye, Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication and Brand at SANBS.
“Through Red Saturday, Africa speaks with one voice of compassion, unity and purpose, proving that together, we can save countless lives.”
For more information or to find your nearest participating clinic:
- WCBS: wcbs.org.za
- WhatsApp: 060 549 7244
- SANBS: sanbs.org.za
- Call: 0800 119 031
- Follow SANBS on X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for updates.
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