On Wednesday, July 20, he donated blood for the 51st time at the Tzaneen Crossing Mall tent, where the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) mobile team was stationed on the day. He told the Herald that being a donor gives him a sense of pride, knowing he is saving someone’s life one donation at a time. The thirty-year-old has become a regular at the tent over the years.
“I think many people are scared of donating because of misinformation; the procedure is safe with a little discomfort. People need to ask themselves, what would they do if they are in a situation where they need blood. There are many people in hospitals dying because of a shortage of blood. I encourage them to start considering donating and to get as much information they can,” he said.
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Another donor, Assir Shiluvana from Nkowankowa, said he started donating blood after he was saved by a stranger’s blood after a car accident. “I started donating blood, returning the favour that was afforded me,” he said. According to Andries Mongalo, a clinic attendant at Tzaneen SANBS, there is a shortage of blood donors nationwide and it creates constant challenges in the lives of people who are sick and in need of blood transfusions.
He said that his team visits areas all over the Mopani region, especially shopping malls, with the aim of attracting new donors. To be eligible to donate blood, you need to be between the ages of 16 and 75, weigh more than 50kg, be in good health, be free from any cold and flu symptoms, consider your blood safe for transfusion to a patient and lead a healthy lifestyle. For more information contact SANBS Limpopo offices on 015 283 3600/3610 or visit www.sanbs.org.za.
