The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is set to take part in a major continental blood donation event.
Dubbed “Red Saturday”, the event will see the WCBS – alongside other blood services from Africa – collecting blood donations from thousands of donors on Saturday, 29 November 2025.
In doing so, these services hope to alleviate blood shortages within the continent, as well as celebrate and rally together existing and prospective volunteers.
RED SATURDAY: A BLOOD DONATION EVENT THAT EMBODIES ‘AFRICAN SOLIDARITY’
In addition to the WCBS, over ten African-based blood services will participate in Red Saturday. They include:
- Cabo Verde
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- Senegal
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
In a recent press release, Marike Carli, WCBS’ public relations manager, emphasised the importance of this initiative.
“Red Saturday embodies the spirit of African solidarity,” she said. “By donating blood, we are not only giving life, but also strengthening the bonds that unite us as a continent.”
One unit of blood (475 millilitres) is enough to save up to three lives. All donations will go towards replenishing blood stocks across these countries, greatly benefiting countless patients and hospitals in need.
HOW TO BECOME A DONOR
To become a blood donor, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be between the ages of 16 and 75.
- You weigh 50 kilograms or more.
- You are medically healthy.
- You lead a safe lifestyle.
Remember to eat a hearty meal approximately three or four hours before making your donation. This helps increase your fluid intake before and after the donation is completed.
BLOOD DONATIONS FOR A THRIVING AFRICA
Whether you’re in South Africa or in one of the other aforementioned nations, this is your opportunity to make a positive difference by literally contributing to the lifeblood of Africa.
For more information or to locate your nearest blood donation clinic, visit wcbs.org.za or send a WhatsApp message to 060 549 7244.
