The South African National Blood Services (SANBS) has recently launched a dynamic new campaign to inspire young South Africans to become active blood donors.
The #LifeGivas Network mainly targets the youth between the ages of 16 and 24.
East London Donor Relations Practitioner, Nokubonga Ketsema, said, “We truly believe this initiative will get more schools involved and motivate them to host more blood drives and ultimately assist us in making sure that we always have enough blood for those who need it.”
Ketsema added that with just under 1% of the population currently donating blood, the SANBS is determined to shift this statistic by empowering a new generation of lifesavers through this campaign.
Schools and universities hosting blood drives until the October 31, 2025, will have the opportunity to be recognised for their efforts with a live radio outside broadcast, offering them a unique platform to showcase their commitment to this life-saving cause. Social media will also play a pivotal role in driving the campaign, with students encouraged to produce compelling videos and challenges to inspire their peers to get involved.
To participate, interested parties can visit www.sanbs.org.za for more information or use the Book a Blood Drive feature at https://sanbs.org.za/book-a-blood-drive-form to organise a blood drive at their school or university.
Ketsema said that although the organisation is busy running blood drives almost every day nationwide, their success varies at each blood drive and is dependent on donors willing to donate.
“Anyone between the ages of 16 and 75 years, weighs over 50kg and lives a healthy and risk-free lifestyle may donate blood at their nearest mobile or fixed donor centres.”
