Many South Africans do not know their blood type. South Africa’s population is over 63 million, and 1% of the population donates blood regularly, with around 500,000 donors providing roughly one million units annually. The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has called on South Africans to donate blood, as stock levels are critically low.
The Blood Service often faces a drop in national blood collection during the summer holiday season. SANBS says January is a significantly challenging time for blood collections, as many regular donors travel during the festive season and schools, universities, and workplaces remain closed.
SANBS Senior Communications Manager Thandi Mosupye has urged eligible donors to visit SANBS donor centres or temporary donation sites such as shopping malls.
“We are particularly sending out a call for our group O and group B blood donors because that’s where we are experiencing the most challenge in terms of blood collections,” Mosupye said.
“With group O, it is the blood group O, blood that is used when we’ve got emergencies. It means that this blood group can donate to anybody in the event where somebody needs blood, and they can also receive blood from anybody,” adds Mosupye.
Bongi Sikelo 