SANBS thanks donors for donating blood

It is because of people like Martie Van der Walt, who at 72 years old has made over 117 whole blood donations, that the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is able to consistently deliver life-saving, safe blood to the nation.

Every year, South Africa observes World Blood Donor Day, in June, with a drive to emphasise the need for a stable supply of healthy, safe blood and blood products.

Moreover, this event serves the purpose of thanking and encouraging people to commit to regular donations.
In January 2021, Mosa Mphore, a donor kidney recipient, entered the last stage of rejection.

“My doctors decided to place me on plasmapheresis to stop my body from rejecting my kidney,” Mosa remembered. Following an initial 10 rounds of plasma transfusions, Mosa is doing well.

“It was like a second transplant for me. The plasma helped to keep my kidney alive. I will forever be grateful,” he expressed joyfully.

Thousands of people with chronic and life-threatening conditions who have been given second chances at life, join SANBS in thanking blood donors this World Blood Donor Day.

These invaluable, regular donations have given people like Mosa an opportunity to make more memories with their families.

Thandi Mosupye, SANBS’ senior manager: marketing and communication, expressed the organisation’s gratitude saying,

“The best gift you can give anyone is the gift of life. We know that South Africans have huge hearts and we call on them to fully embrace the spirit of unity under this year’s World Blood Donor Day theme, ‘Donating blood is an act of solidarity. Join the effort and save lives’.”

SANBS applauds its regular donors, who ensure the target of 3 500 units per day is maintained. Mosupye added: “This Youth Month we are appealing to young, healthy South Africans to also take up the cause of donating blood and make it a lifestyle choice.”

Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 90 31 to find out where you support blood drives throughout the month of June.

Connect with us on Twitter (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) and Instagram (@thesanbs).

Also Read: Help SANBS by hopping over to your nearest blood donor centre

Also Read: SANBS out and about to collect blood