One hundred donations and counting for Richards Bay blood donor

Having been a blood donor for 25 years, local teacher Bhekokhuhle Funeka reached his 100th milestone blood donation at the end of 2024 – and will continue to give blood this year.

Also a soccer enthusiast and marathon runner, the avid donor knows the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

He started donating blood in Grade 10 while at John Ross College, where he is now a teacher.

For Funeka, donating blood is one way he can give back to others and help save lives.

As the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) often struggles to meet its daily targets and keep blood stocks at a healthy level, he uses his platform at school and through sport to encourage people to become regular donors.

”During the holiday period, SANBS does not have access to schools, universities, and many corporates, which traditionally make up a large proportion of the sites where regular blood donors donate,” said Funeka.

”The start of a new year is the perfect time to make the commitment to become a donor.”

Donors can visit the Richards Bay Blood Donor Centre at Boardwalk Inkwazi Shopping Centre.

The blood centre is open weekdays from 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday 8.30am to 1.30pm and it takes less than 30 minutes to donate blood.

To become a blood donor, you must:

• Be between the ages of 16 and 75
• Weigh 50kg or more.
• Be in good health and lead a healthy lifestyle.
• Consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient.

For more information, contact the Richards Bay SANBS branch on
035 7893610.

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