Africa Unites for Red Saturday – African Nations Join Forces to Save Lives on Saturday, 29 November 2025

One day. One continent. One purpose.

Johannesburg, November 2025 – The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) will join blood services across Africa for a ground-breaking blood donation event, Red Saturday, scheduled for Saturday, 29 November 2025. The event aims to engage thousands of donors across five nations, collecting lifesaving blood donations to support hospitals and patients in need.

Red Saturday is more than a blood drive, it represents African unity and solidarity, a collective effort to address blood shortages across the continent, and a celebration of the lifesaving power of voluntary blood donation.

The initiative carries a simple yet powerful message:

  • Voluntary blood donation saves lives.
  • New donors are urgently needed to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply.
  • Blood is needed continuously – not only in emergencies, but every single day.

Five nations – South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Tanzania – have confirmed their participation in this historic event. Together, they will mobilise communities, inspire donors, and showcase Africa’s united commitment to saving lives.

“Red Saturday embodies the spirit of African solidarity,” said Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager, Western Cape Blood Service. “By donating blood, we are not only giving life, but also strengthening the bonds that unite us as a continent.”

“At the South African National Blood Service, we believe that the gift of blood is a shared act of humanity, one that transcends borders and brings our continent closer together,” said Thandi Mosupye, Senior Manager: Marketing, Communication & Brand, at SANBS. “Through Red Saturday, Africa speaks with one voice of compassion, unity, and purpose – proving that together, we can save countless lives.”

Participating services include the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) from South Africa, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS), the National Blood Service Ghana (NBS Ghana), the Ethiopian National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS Ethiopia), and the National Blood Transfusion Service Tanzania (NBTS Tanzania).

Through coordinated local events, Red Saturday aims to:

  • Inspire first-time donors to take action.
  • Encourage regular donors to continue their lifesaving contributions.
  • Highlight the power of unity in addressing healthcare challenges.
  • Amplify the message of hope, compassion, and community.

We hope that new donors across Africa will roll up their sleeves under the banner of Red Saturday, proving that when Africa stands together, lives are changed, hope is renewed, and the heartbeat of the continent grows stronger.

Blood Donation Criteria

If you are between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50kg or more, and are in good general health, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you may be eligible to donate blood. The process takes just 30 minutes, and you may donate every 56 days. Donors are encouraged to eat a good meal within 3–4 hours before donating and to increase their fluid intake before and after donation.

For more information or to find your participating blood donation clinic visit wcbs.org.za or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.

Visit www.sanbs.org.za or contact 0800 119 031 to find out where you can donate blood. Follow SANBS on X (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS) Instagram (@thesanbs) and TikTok (@thesanbs).

One day. One continent. One purpose.

END

Be a hero. Give blood. Give hope

 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 out of nine provinces in South Africa (except for the Western Cape, which the Western Cape Blood Service services) 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. This pedigree comes from world-class testing and collection protocols, ensuring that the transfused blood is always of the highest quality. SANBS operates a vast network of donor centres, including over 70 fixed centres and over 100 mobile collection sites daily.

About the Western Cape Blood Service
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is a non-profit regional health organisation, dedicated to collecting blood from voluntary blood donors, and providing the safest blood products and efficient service to the community, while operating at the highest professional and ethical standards and remaining a viable organisation. WCBS works without prejudice to supply safe blood and blood products to all communities in the region, from Cape Town to George. Our goal is to deliver a world-class blood service in the Western Cape.