Youth urged to give blood

Some youths in Alexandra gave of their time to urge others to contribute generously of their blood.

This was done by socially conscious youths at PanAfrica shopping centre during a blood donor campaign where the South African National Blood Services was urging people between 16 and 65 to donate generously. The nation needs one million units annually, but the majority African population in the country only contributes 27 percent of the required national reserve for emergencies such as road accidents, child births and for leukaemia suffers.

Levy Ledwaba (24) of Africa Works, a skills empowerment and creative minds movement was volunteering at the campaign to increase his knowledge about the importance of blood donation so that he can motivate others to contribute to this national cause. He decried the apathy of African youth towards blood donation.

“Blood is red but has no colour affiliation for where it has to be used,” he said. “When in short supply it affects the majority and logically it will be the Africans.” He added that with one of the highest rates of road related accidents in the world, it meant many deaths in the country could be prevented through blood donations, especially in remote, predominantly African areas where shortages were common.

“We need aggressive and regular campaigns on blood donation as a preventative strategy to saving lives specially among the youth who live risky lifestyles, have limited driving experience and high mobility making them prone to accidents and other dangers,” he said.

Sibongile Sithole of Alex FM said, “I urge all public service entities, particularly the media to spread the good news about the importance of donating blood and saving lives. I am a first-time donor and will do so regularly,” she concluded.

Details: 011 628 1675; www.sanbs.org.za