Breaking Barriers: Why We Need More African Blood Donors

June marks National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the life-saving power of blood donation. While the need for blood in South Africa is constant, one group remains vastly underrepresented in donation drives: Black South Africans. Deep-rooted cultural beliefs, religious guidance, and community mistrust contribute to a long-standing stigma, particularly in churches such as the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), which advises members not to donate blood.

But here’s the truth: donating blood saves lives, especially the lives of other Black South Africans.

South Africa’s population is majority Black, but most blood donors are not. This becomes a serious issue for people with rare blood types more commonly found in African populations. Patients battling cancer, mothers giving birth, accident victims, and children with sickle cell disease, many of them depend on compatible blood that often only Black donors can provide.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is working hard to dispel myths. Blood donation is safe, doesn’t weaken the body, and doesn’t interfere with your spiritual well-being. It’s a simple act that takes 30 minutes but can save up to three lives per donation.

It’s time to rethink what helping your neighbour means. Isn’t saving a life an act of compassion and faith?

If you’ve ever lost a loved one due to complications in hospital, or know someone in need of a transfusion, you already understand the importance of blood.

You can still hold onto your beliefs while challenging the fears passed down to you. And if your church discourages it, ask why. Ask if healing others, even strangers, could be seen as honouring your faith.

To become a donor, you must be between 16 and 75, weigh over 50 kg, and be in good health. Visit www.sanbs.org.za or call 0800 11 9031 to find your nearest clinic.

Your blood group is determined by the genes you inherit from your parents.

The 4 Main Blood Groups

Group A

– Has A antigens and B antibodies

– Can donate to: A and AB

– Can receive from: A and O

Group B

– Has B antigens and A antibodies

– Can donate to: B and AB

– Can receive from: B and O

Group AB (Universal Recipient)

– Has A and B antigens, no antibodies

– Can donate to: AB only

– Can receive from: A, B, AB, and O

– Rare, but powerful!

Group O (Universal Donor)

– Has no antigens, A and B antibodies

– Can donate to: All groups (O, A, B, AB)

– Can receive from: O only

– Always in high demand!

➕ ➖ Rh Factor: Positive or Negative?

Positive (+): You have the Rh factor protein.

Negative (−): You do not.

This makes 8 blood types in total:

A+, A−, B+, B−, AB+, AB−, O+, O−

Quick Facts

O+ is the most common in South Africa.

AB− is the rarest – fewer than 1% of people have it!

You can donate every 56 days if you're healthy and over 16.

One donation can save up to 3 lives.