Together We Save Lives: SANBS Launches National Blood Donor Month 2025

Every drop counts — and this June, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) honours the unsung heroes of our healthcare system - blood donors. Under the theme “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives,” National Blood Donor Month 2025 celebrates the lifesaving role of donors and the powerful impact they have on patients, families, and communities across South Africa.

Blood donors are a critical pillar of our healthcare system. Their selfless contributions support essential treatments — from emergency surgeries and cancer care to childbirth complications and chronic disease management. Without them, hospitals will struggle to deliver the level of care patients urgently need.

At the heart of the month-long campaign is World Blood Donor Day, observed globally on 14 June, which honours the commitment of donors and raises awareness about the continued need for regular donations. “Behind every unit of blood is a heartbeat, a second chance, a future,” says Thandi Mosupye, SANBS’s Senior Manager of Marketing, Communication and Brand. 

This year, SANBS is sharing real stories that bring the importance of donation to life. Like 11-year-old Rotondwa Silima, who survived a horrific car crash thanks to six blood transfusions. Or Vernon Muso, a father of three whose cancer treatment was made possible by the generosity of strangers. Also, Edna Smith who witnessed her mother live beyond a rare diagnosis because of 47 units of donated blood.

Throughout June, SANBS will host community activations, donor appreciation events, and digital campaigns aimed at encouraging more South Africans to give the gift of life.

In every donation, there’s a story of hope, healing, and humanity. Be a hero. Give blood. Give hope.