Watch: ‘Why Blood Matters’ as blood stocks drop to 4.2 days
The documentary explores the behind-the-scenes journey of blood donations as supply levels drop dangerously low.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) urged eligible donors to donate blood as stocks drop to 4.2 days’ cover.
The call to action follows the premiere of a new documentary, Why Blood Matters, which aired on SABC 2 recently.
Personal stories of impact
The documentary explored the journey of donated blood from voluntary donors to recipients, highlighting the life-saving impact of blood transfusions.
Watch the trailer
Among those featured was Marie Bontjes, who was diagnosed with anaemia at one year old and relies on blood transfusions as part of her ongoing medical treatment.
Another recipient, Meena Singh, required multiple units of blood during a liver transplant, an intervention she described as giving her an opportunity at life.
The documentary also followed Gregory Naidoo, whose experience illustrated the vital role blood plays during unpredictable medical emergencies.
The human story behind every unit
For donors, the motivation to contribute is equally personal.
Mario Ferreira, who has donated blood since he was 19, said knowing he can save a life brings him happiness.
Boitumelo Masiu began donating while still at school, demonstrating how a donation culture can become a lifelong commitment, while Siyabonga Malinga viewed blood donation as part of a community effort to ensure supply during emergencies.
Beyond personal stories, the documentary addressed the complex infrastructure, testing, processing, storage and logistics required to supply safe blood to patients across the country.
With SANBS aiming to collect about 3 500 units of blood daily, maintaining supply depends on regular donations due to the limited shelf life of red blood cells, which last up to 42 days.
‘Nothing does what blood does’
SANBS marketing and branding manager Simphiwe Cele said the documentary reminds South Africans of the human impact behind every unit collected.
Cele adds that blood cannot be manufactured or easily replaced, meaning patient care relies entirely on the voluntary decisions of ordinary citizens to donate.
A single donation supports emergency treatment, surgery, cancer care, transplant journeys and ongoing medical care.
Members of the public can contact SANBS on 0800 11 90 31 or visit the organisation’s website to locate donor centres or mobile blood drives.
