Each year in June, South Africa celebrates National Blood Donor Month, with World Blood Donor Day marked on June 14. This month is dedicated to saying thank you to the heroes who donate blood and to raise awareness about how important blood donation is.

Why Blood Donation Matters

Blood donations help save millions of lives every year. They are essential for:

• Patients with serious illnesses

• People injured in accidents

• Women who lose blood during childbirth

• Children with severe anaemia

• Cancer and leukaemia treatments

• Surgical procedures

By donating blood, you’re helping others live longer, healthier lives. You’re also making it possible for doctors to perform life-saving treatments and surgeries.

Who Manages Blood Donations in South Africa?

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is the organisation that collects, tests, and distributes blood around the country. They are a non-profit organisation with the goal of making sure there’s enough safe blood available when needed.

Can I Donate Blood?

You can donate blood if you:

• Are between 16 and 65 years old

• Weigh more than 50kg

• Lead a sexually safe lifestyle

You can donate every 56 days (about 8 weeks). But there are some reasons you might not be able to donate, such as:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding

• If you take recreational drugs

• If you have low iron

• If you’re taking certain medications, like antibiotics

• If you’ve recently gotten a tattoo or travelled to a malaria area

Why Should You Donate?

Donating blood is safe, quick, and takes only about 10 minutes. You don’t get paid for donating, but you get something far more valuable — the chance to save up to three lives with just one unit of blood.

It’s a powerful and selfless way to give back to your community.

Source: South African National Blood Service (SANBS), Government Gazette