Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 30 November 2025

A continent unites in compassion as thousands donate blood on Red Saturday, strengthening Africa’s lifesaving supply. 📷 Image/File Photo: Atlasstudio

A continent-wide call to action echoes across Africa this weekend as South Africa joins 14 other nations for Red Saturday, a unified blood donation drive aimed at strengthening lifesaving blood supplies ahead of the festive season. The initiative marks a moment of unprecedented solidarity in Africa’s healthcare landscape, with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) leading efforts to mobilise communities for what they describe as “a historic mission to save lives.”

Speaking to Radio Islam International, Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager for Donor Relations at SANBS, emphasised the deeply symbolic and practical power of this collaboration. “It is about joining hands in solidarity and unity throughout Africa. It’s about collaboration, learning from each other and showing through this act of kindness that we are stronger together,” she said.

The initiative, which first began in the Western Cape to prepare for seasonal shortages, has now grown into a continent-spanning effort. Schreiner explained that South Africa and 14 other countries have set a collective target of 10,000 units of donated blood. The goal is not only to increase short-term supply but to create a sustainable network of voluntary donors across Africa.

Africa faces consistent blood shortages, and South Africa is no exception. Schreiner noted a sobering reality: “Only 1% of our population donates blood.” This low participation rate, combined with rising demand, strains hospitals and emergency response systems. Sustainability, she said, hinges on nurturing a committed donor base, ensuring regular donors remain active while continuously recruiting new ones.

“It’s important that our potential donors and regular donors know that visiting up to three times a year saves countless lives,” Schreiner added. South Africa recorded over 900,000 donations last year from about 600,000 active donors, a figure SANBS hopes will steadily grow.

Beyond replenishing blood supplies, Red Saturday is designed to reshape regional cooperation. Schreiner highlighted that the initiative has already strengthened knowledge-sharing between countries. “Working towards a unified objective, we’ve achieved a lot just through collaborating across borders. This is not just a once-off initiative. It’s the first of many to come,” she said, expressing hope for even stronger, more localised models in future years.

Members of the public are encouraged to join the drive. Those seeking more information can contact SANBS via their hotline or visit their website and social media pages.

As Africa rallies together, Red Saturday stands as a reminder: unity saves lives.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Monique Schreiner.