Johannesburg, April 2026 – For 25 years, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has quietly been connecting strangers through a powerful act of humanity, the decision to donate blood.
Since its establishment in 2001, following the amalgamation of six previously independent regional blood services, SANBS has grown into a vital pillar of South Africa’s healthcare system, serving eight of the country’s nine provinces. Over the past quarter-century, it has evolved into a globally respected institution driven by scientific excellence, research, innovation and an uncompromising commitment to safety and quality. Today, SANBS remains a cornerstone of public health, ensuring a safe, reliable, and sustainable blood supply for millions of South Africans.
But beyond the systems, science and scale, lies something far more meaningful: people.
This milestone belongs to the millions of South Africans who have rolled up their sleeves to give a part of themselves so that someone else can live. It belongs to the healthcare workers who rely on every unit of blood, the professionals who ensure its safety, and the families whose lives have been forever changed by a donation they may never see.
Every unit of blood carries hope. Every donor carries someone’s second chance.
On 17 April 2026, SANBS will mark this milestone with a commemorative event that brings together key stakeholders. The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will deliver the keynote address, reflecting on the importance of collective action in building a healthcare system that serves all.
Over the years, SANBS’ collaboration with the Department of Health and other key stakeholders has expanded access to life-saving blood services and strengthened the country’s healthcare response. Together, they have built not only a system, but a lifeline that millions of South Africans rely on.
Reflecting on the journey, SANBS CEO Ravi Reddy said:
“For 25 years, SANBS has been sustained by the generosity of ordinary South Africans doing something extraordinary. Behind every unit of blood is a human story of kindness, of hope, of life saved. This milestone is not only ours; it belongs to every donor, every healthcare worker and every life touched by this service. As we look to the future, we remain committed to ensuring that no patient is left without the blood they need to survive.”
As SANBS looks ahead, its legacy remains deeply human; to continue building a culture of donation, to strengthen trust and to ensure that every patient, regardless of where they are, has access to safe, quality blood and blood products.
At its heart, SANBS’ work is about people choosing each other.
It reflects a nation stepping forward, time and again, when it matters most.
For the past 25 years, that shared commitment has helped save lives across South Africa.
Stay connected with SANBS on social media:
- X (@theSANBS)
- Facebook (@SANBS)
- Instagram (@thesanbs)
- TikTok (@thesanbs)
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ABOUT SANBS
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is an independent non-profit organisation and a leader in blood transfusion. SANBS operates in eight of the nine provinces in South Africa (excluding the Western Cape, which the Western Cape Blood Service serves) and provides crucial support to countries in the SADC region.
The organisation prides itself on being the lifeblood of South Africa’s healthcare system, providing over one million world-class blood products annually. This pedigree comes from world-class testing and collection protocols, ensuring a safe supply for patients. SANBS operates a vast network of donor centres, including more than 60 fixed centres and over 100 mobile collection sites daily.
SANBS aims to collect 3,500 units of blood daily to ensure a safe and sufficient supply for South Africa’s healthcare system. Regular donations are critical because a unit of blood lasts only 42 days. We encourage donors to commit to giving blood regularly, ensuring a continuous supply for those in need.