The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) visited the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) Ga-Rankuwa campus on 6 May for a blood donation drive, reinforcing the role of university students in supporting the country’s blood supply.
SANBS regularly hosts mobile blood drives at higher education institutions to encourage young people to become regular donors. Students are considered an important donor group, as many qualify as low-risk and can donate consistently, helping to maintain a safe and stable blood supply.
Jedi Ramaobe, a donor recruiter for SANBS, said the organisation relies on young donors to sustain its life-saving work.
“The main aim of the South African National Blood Service is to collect blood that we use to save lives. The student population is one of the groups we really need because we want to get the youth involved in what we do,” Ramaobe said.
SANBS, a non-profit organisation, collects blood from voluntary, unpaid donors to supply hospitals for trauma cases, surgeries, childbirth complications and chronic conditions. One unit of donated blood can be separated into red blood cells, plasma and platelets, potentially saving up to three lives.
Students who donated also received free health screenings, including vital checks, as well as snacks and refreshments.
The drive formed part of broader health and wellness activities on campus. Peer educator Liama Thewu said the university’s health and wellness department supports students’ well-being and raises awareness of health-related issues.
“We promote health to students and help them with health-related issues and illnesses,” Thewu said.
The event saw a strong turnout, with students supporting the SANBS initiative while also benefiting from free health checks and other wellness services offered on the day.
