SANBS salutes the class of 2015
Teenagers at school make up 21% of blood donors in this country.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has congratulated the class of 2015 for doing well in their academics.
The 2015 matriculants not only did well in their studies but they played their part in saving lives through donating blood as well.
Statistics show that 21% of blood donors in this country are between the ages of 16 and 19.
This translate to about 490 000 teenagers who are at school according to SANBS.
Each unit of blood can save three lives and about 300 units should be collected to make sure that the country has enough supply.
Teenagers who attend high school make sure that this becomes possible.
“These young people are truly exemplary South Africans. They have made the decision to sacrifice their time to donate a unit of blood to somebody they might never even meet.
“We are proud of them for their willingness to give blood while working hard to excel in their academics and overcoming whatever other life challenges they may face,” said SANBS chief marketing officer Thapelo Mokoena.
The SANBS embarks on blood drives throughout the country where they partner with governing bodies, principals, heads of department, teachers and parents to encourage pupils to donate blood.
In the 2015 academic year these blood drives reached 1161 schools and more schools are invited to join this year.
These blood drives are hosted in every two months and Mokoena hopes that more matriculants will make their contribution.
He also hopes that the class of 2015 will continue to donate even though they have left school.
“Whether they join the workforce, enrol in a tertiary institution or take a gap year, it will give us great joy to see them saving many more lives from wherever they are and to remain part of the SANBS family for years to come,” said Mokoena.
The call to donate blood is not only directed to matriculants and teenagers but it is directed to every South African.
Even though the holiday season is over the SANBS continues to collect blood aimed at saving lives especially those who get involved in road accidents.
