June 14 is world blood donor day and the City of Ekurhuleni has encouraged all eligable donors to find their nearest South African National Blood Services (SANBS) donation centre
During a recent blood drive in Springs, donor recruiter, Mpho Muridili says, “Donating blood is saving lives so the more people donate the better because we will have enough blood to save lives.
“Going to the community helps us in educating people about blood donation” he says
A donor, Thabiso Mabena says, “I am donating because I felt the need to save someone’s life and I have made a commitment that I’ll donate regularly.
“I am donating for the sixth time today.”
Also read: Celebrating World Blood Donor Day
The Springs Advertiser spoke to the clinic supervisor, Charles Mkhize, who says anyone between the ages of 16 and 75 can donate so long they weigh 50kg and above, living a healthy lifestyle, having one sexual partner and are ready to commit to donating blood regularly.
Mkhize says: “You can’t donate blood when you are HIV positive but you can donate when you are diabetic or hypertensive as long as you take medication.”
An African Reporter journalist Sphumelele Ndlovu says: “I was donating blood for the first time after my sister, a regular donor, emphasised the importance of donating.
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“After this experience, I will definitely be donating again as the process is relatively painless and quick.”