This Heritage Day, SANBS calls on South Africans to be heroes. One unit of blood saves three lives. Join the Bleed for Change campaign.
This Heritage Month, South Africans are being called upon to leave a legacy that goes beyond culture and tradition, one that saves lives.
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and Round Table Southern Africa (RTSA) have launched Bleed for Change, a nationwide blood drive that kicks off on Heritage Day (24 September) and will run until February 2026.
The campaign comes at a time when the need for blood donations in South Africa is critical. Less than 1% of the population donates blood, despite the fact that one unit of blood can save up to three lives. From mothers experiencing complications during childbirth to cancer patients and accident victims, every donation can mean the difference between life and death.
“Donating blood is one of the simplest yet most powerful acts of humanity. Bleed for Change is about showing South Africans that you don’t need to be rich or famous to save a life — you just need to be willing,” said Sifiso Khoza, Reputation and Communication Manager at SANBS.
RTSA’s Branding Manager, Riaan Greyling, echoed the sentiment: “Through Bleed for Change, we want to demonstrate that young South Africans have the power to make a life-saving difference. Blood donation is not just a medical act; it’s a legacy of kindness and Ubuntu that strengthens our communities.”
The campaign highlights that blood cannot be manufactured, it can only come from another human being. Donors are therefore celebrated as modern-day heroes whose actions embody the spirit of Ubuntu.
A Call to Action
SANBS and RTSA are urging South Africans to step forward and donate blood at SANBS donor centres and mobile sites nationwide. By doing so, citizens not only honour their heritage but also give hope and life to others.
Follow SANBS on X (@theSANBS), Facebook (@SANBS), Instagram (@thesanbs), and TikTok (@thesanbs) for updates.
Understanding Heritage Day
- What: Heritage Day, observed annually on 24 September, is a public holiday dedicated to celebrating South Africa’s diverse cultures, traditions, and shared identity as a nation.
- Why: It serves as a reminder that while South Africans come from different backgrounds, the country’s strength lies in its unity and cultural richness.
- Who: Heritage Day is for all South Africans — individuals, families, and communities — to celebrate and embrace their heritage.
- Where: It is celebrated across the nation, with events ranging from cultural festivals and traditional ceremonies to community projects.
- How: South Africans participate by wearing traditional attire, sharing cultural practices, preparing traditional foods, and engaging in activities that honour the country’s history and values.
By connecting Bleed for Change with Heritage Day, SANBS and RTSA remind South Africans that our greatest legacy is not only in the traditions we preserve, but also in the lives we protect.
Be a hero. Give blood. Give hope.
