The difference donating blood can make

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) launched National Blood Donor Month (NBDM) with the theme ‘Give blood, give hope: Together we save lives’.

• Also read: Human rights at the heart of every donation – SANBS

Thandi Mosupye, the senior manager of marketing, communication and brand at SANBS, explained, “This year’s campaign celebrates the life-changing impact of blood donors and the powerful message of community, compassion, and solidarity that underpins every donation.”

On June 14, World Donor Day is annually celebrated to honour those who have donated to save countless lives.

“Behind every unit of blood is a heartbeat, a second chance, a mother, a father, a child, a future. It’s more than a donation, donors are the invisible lifeline connecting families to tomorrow.”

On June 4, SANBS offered a ‘Journey of Blood’ tour of their laboratories in Constantia. It offered a look into the processes to ensure the blood is safe from when it is donated to its delivery. They also wanted to show the human stories behind the blood donated, according to Mosupye.

From veins to victories, this journey is about science and compassion coming together.”

Those who attended the tour saw how the blood was collected, tested, processed and then delivered ‘with precision and care to those in need’.

“The immersive experience deepened public understanding of SANBS’s dedication to innovation, safety, and excellence.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the commitment, the technology, and the heart that go into every drop of blood processed here. Bringing our media partners closer to our mission allows them to share these powerful stories with the nation.”

She noted one of the attendees even stated seeing the journey of lifesaving blood was emotional and stated they were there, because ‘someone cared enough to donate’.

“At the heart of NBDM is a powerful appeal to turn compassion into action.”

She added that this year’s campaign aims to:

• Raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood, platelets and plasma donations
• Encourage regular donations to maintain a stable and sufficient blood supply
• Promote solidarity, compassion, and community through the act of giving

Throughout June, they will have numerous commemorative events, donor appreciation, community activations, tributes and digital campaigns to celebrate donors and encourage others to donate.

They also shared survival stories due to blood donation:

• In October 2022, Rotondwa Silima (11) was involved in a horrific car crash on the N1 between Limpopo and Gauteng. She suffered third-degree burns, fractures, and severe blood loss. Her mother, pregnant at the time and unable to donate, watched as her daughter received six lifesaving blood transfusions during a three-month hospital stay.

Pfarelo Mafela-Silima, Rotondo’s mother, stated: “I never truly understood the importance of blood donation until it saved my daughter’s life. Thanks to selfless donors, my daughter is alive today, and after giving birth, I was inspired to become a donor myself.”

• At 16, Edna Smith was preparing for surgery when her mother shared a life-changing revelation; she had been diagnosed with a rare, gene-mutated cancer. Over the years, her mother received 47 units of blood, and it made all the difference. She lived to see Edna’s wedding, the birth of her grandchildren, and far surpassed her original prognosis.

That one bag of blood gave me the wedding I dreamed of, family photos I’ll cherish forever, and memories I never thought we’d get. Blood donors gave my family a tomorrow,” said Smith.

“As SANBS paves the way in blood safety and innovation, one message rings louder than ever: Be a hero, give blood, give hope,” concluded Mosupye.