The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) held a blood drive at KG Mall on Human Rights Day, encouraging residents of eMalahleni to save lives by donating blood.

On March 21, the community came in numbers at the mall to join hands with the SANBS in their sole goal of making a difference by saving lives.

Daniel Matji from SANBS who sounded impressed by the number of people who came through highlighted the importance of donating blood. “By donating blood, you can save up to three lives,” he said.

Among the compulsory requirements to qualify as a blood donor, Daniel emphasised that the individual must at least be 16 years old, have eaten something before donating, ensure blood is safe for donation, wait 56 days before donating again, not have tattoos that are less than three months old, and not be pregnant or breastfeeding.

Two donors shared their joys of saving lives with their blood. Jael Nhamunda said, “I learned the importance of donating blood at a young age when my mom needed a transfusion. I have since been taking it very seriously because, through someone else’s blood, my mom’s life was also saved.”

Sibongile Nxumalo, on the other hand, excitedly joined people she saw donating on her way to the stores. “I was passing by and saw people queuing. When I asked what they were doing, they told me they were donating blood, so I said, ‘Why not?’”

Both donors assured people who may be interested in becoming donors that the process is safe and easy. “They give us supplements after donating and instruct us on diets to follow in the next couple of days, so there’s nothing to worry about,” they added.

Daniel said they still hope to collect more blood to help address the current shortage.

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