The South African National Blood Service (Sanbs) showed its full support on Mandela Day at the Mall of Africa by reminding donors of the life-saving resource they all have running through their veins.
The service’s spokesperson, Vanessa Raju said, “The former statesman really epitomised the great value of giving selflessly to those in need. We are proud to be able to use this occasion to remind our fellow South Africans of the importance of giving blood to ensure that those with various serious, and often life-threatening, medical conditions receive the lifesaving transfusions they need.”
Raju explained that blood transfusions were a crucial aspect in the treatment of various health conditions such as blood-related diseases and for managing a severe hemorrhage during birth, trauma or major surgery.
To meet the daily demand for these patients in the eight provinces that the blood service serves, 3 000 units must be collected through blood drives and donation centres.
“We recognise that individuals have their chosen acts of generosity and donating blood might not feature at the top of everyone’s list, but we encourage people to reach out to us and learn more about what we do. This may also aid them in finding other ways through which they can support our endeavours to provide people with an adequate and safe blood supply,” she added.
Sanbs advised donors to honour their regular donation times which occur at 56-day intervals.
Mall of Africa’s relationship manager, Zenet Mathiga said, “Mall of Africa partnered with Sanbs for the 67 Pints for Madiba campaign. Thank you to every customer who took the time to be a part of this initiative, your immediate response to help people in need was unprecedented and remarkable. “We would also like to thank all our tenants who showed up at the two stations eager to donate and Krispy Kreme for their amazing sponsorship, your generosity and support is indeed appreciated.”
Mathiga added that due to the amazing response and the need for blood, there would be a donation centre at the mall every six weeks and they encouraged people to continue supporting the cause.
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