The SANBS and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) will join blood services across Africa for a groundbreaking blood donation event, Red Saturday, scheduled for Saturday 30 November.
The event aims to engage thousands of donors across five nations, collecting life-saving blood donations to support hospitals and patients in need.
The SANBS, in partnership with Round Table Welkom 40, will host a collection drive at Goldfields Mall, operating from both Entrance 1 (Woolworths) and Entrance 2 (Rhino) from 09:00 to 16:00.
Round Table partnership
The organisers are calling upon all businesses, organisations, schools, and the Welkom community to join the life-saving initiative.
Each participating group is encouraged to bring 10 people to help achieve the target of 100 units of life-saving blood.
Red Saturday represents more than a blood drive − it embodies African unity and solidarity, a collective effort to address blood shortages across the continent, and a celebration of the life-saving power of voluntary blood donation.
The initiative carries a simple yet powerful message:
■ Voluntary blood donation saves lives.
■ New donors are urgently needed to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply.
■ Blood is needed continuously − not only in emergencies, but every single day.
Five nations
Five nations − South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Ethiopia and Tanzania − have confirmed their participation in this historic event.
Together, they will mobilise communities, inspire donors, and showcase Africa’s united commitment to saving lives.
“Red Saturday embodies the spirit of African solidarity,” said Marike Carli, public relations manager at the Western Cape Blood Service.
“By donating blood, we are not only giving life, but also strengthening the bonds that unite us as a continent.”
Thandi Mosupye, senior manager for marketing, communication and brand at the SANBS elaborates on this.
The gift of blood
“At the South African National Blood Service, we believe that the gift of blood is a shared act of humanity, one that transcends borders and brings our continent closer together.
“Through Red Saturday, Africa speaks with one voice of compassion, unity and purpose − proving that together, we can save countless lives.”
The collaborative effort includes the WCBS and the SANBS from South Africa, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS), the National Blood Service Ghana (NBS Ghana), the Ethiopian National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS Ethiopia) and the National Blood Transfusion Service Tanzania (NBTS Tanzania).
This unprecedented continental initiative demonstrates Africa’s commitment to addressing healthcare challenges through collaborative action and community engagement.
You must be logged in to post a comment.