Give Blood, Give Hope: Together We Save Lives

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is proud to launch National Blood Donor Month (NBDM) 2025 under the inspiring global theme, “Give blood, give hope: together we save lives.” This year’s campaign celebrates the life-changing impact of blood donors and the powerful message of community, compassion, and solidarity that underpins every donation.

World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), commemorated annually on 14 June, serves as the pinnacle of the month-long campaign. It honours the selfless individuals whose donations help save countless lives across the nation.

“On WBDD, we honour those who selflessly give the gift of life and show how their blood flows through our veins,” says Thandi Mosupye, Senior Manager of Marketing, Communication and Brand at SANBS. “Behind every unit of blood is a heartbeat, a second chance, a mother, a father, a child, a future. It’s more than a donation, donors are the invisible lifeline connecting families to tomorrow.”

To mark the start of Blood Donor Month, SANBS welcomed members of the media to its state-of-the-art laboratories at its head office in Constantia, Gauteng, on 4 June 2025. The exclusive “Journey of Blood” tour offered an inside look at the meticulous scientific processes that ensure every drop of donated blood is safe and life-saving — from donation to delivery.

“Our aim was to show South Africans the human stories behind every blood unit,” said Mosupye, “From veins to victories, this journey is about science and compassion coming together.”

Attendees were guided through the lab tour, witnessing how blood is collected, tested, processed, and delivered with precision and care to those in need. The immersive experience deepened public understanding of SANBS’s dedication to innovation, safety, and excellence.

“It’s truly inspiring to see the commitment, the technology, and the heart that goes into every drop of blood processed here,” said Mosupye“Bringing our media partners closer to our mission allows them to share these powerful stories with the nation.”

One blood recipient attending the tour shared: “Seeing the journey of lifesaving blood was emotional. I’m here today because someone cared enough to donate.”

As part of its youth engagement and education efforts, and in support of the #LifeGivas Network  youth-donor programme, SANBS also welcomed students from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) for an educational tour of its laboratory facilities on Monday, 2 June 2025.

“This experience opened our eyes to the science and compassion behind blood donation,” said one TUT student. “As future health professionals, it’s inspiring to see where innovation meets impact.”

At the heart of NBDM is a powerful appeal to turn compassion into action. This year’s campaign calls on all South Africans to:

Promote solidarity, compassion, and community through the act of giving.

Throughout June, SANBS will roll out commemorative events, donor appreciation ceremonies, community activations, tributes, and digital campaigns — all aimed at celebrating donors and encouraging all South Africans to give the gift of life.

As SANBS paves the way in blood safety and innovation, one message rings louder than ever: