Ubuntu one unit of blood at a time

Thabiso Msibi has made it his mission to create awareness of the importance of donating blood regularly. He has been a donor since 2006 and became a member of the donor committee a year ago.

Thabiso tells his unusual story of becoming a donor and his devotion to the cause.

As a young boy, he was curious about chemicals, the way they can be broken down and their amazing properties.

One day, while searching for interesting content on the internet, he stumbled on the website of the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) and he became curious about the properties of blood, how it is distributed and the three different uses from one unit.

He began asking around why people need blood, but was not satisfied with the answers, as donating blood and knowledge of its importance was not a priority in the community where he grew up.

“I remember when walking past the blood bank as a a young boy, I always saw white people inside.

From there the stigma that only white people donate and need blood,” said Thabiso.

It was only after he really learned about its importance that he realised that blood is the one thing that all humans beings have in common and everybody needs blood to live.

He then became a donor himself and tried to convince his friends to do the same.

Thabiso jokingly says: “I even tried to convince them by telling them it’s fun, especially the part where you get cookies and juice.”

Although seeing and hearing numerous stories about people that got a second chance after they received blood, he realised the full impact only once his own mother fell ill and was in dire need of a transfusion.

He still remembers visiting his mother in hospital after school one day, just after she had received blood, and recognising the sticker on the bag as the same stickers used to mark the bags when he donates.

Only then did he realise that if he and so may others did not donate blood, his mother might not be here today.

Thabiso now took on the task to educate people in his community and as a committee member he took it upon himself to be present at blood drives to convince people of all races to share the gift of life.

“Donating blood is the perfect way to practise Ubuntu, help someone in need no matter their status, creed or culture.”

He also says that you do not need lots of money to help somebody; all you need is a few minutes of your time to donate blood and help three others in the process.

Thabiso urges everyone to donate blood and those interested to join the donor committee in their quest to educate and make donating more accessible to everyone.