This Heritage Day, Help Strengthen Blood Stocks and Leave a Lasting Legacy
A SANBS and Round Table Southern Africa partnership has helped bring more than 600 new donors into the blood donation network
A new five-part docuseries, Tafel Toure, from Round Table Southern Africa takes viewers inside the community projects driven by its members across the country. One episode takes viewers to the SANBS donor centre in Welkom, where Round Table members see first-hand what happens when ordinary South Africans make the decision to give blood and why those donations matter to patients in need.
The episode comes at a critical time for South Africa’s blood supply, with SANBS blood stock levels having declined below five days’ cover. The blood service is urging eligible South Africans to donate and help replenish stocks, particularly as regular donations are essential to maintaining a safe and sufficient blood supply.
For Round Table member and regular blood donor Stephan Theunissen, giving blood has become part of how he contributes to his community. The documentary follows him at the SANBS donor centre in Welkom as he shares why he continues to donate and encourages others to do the same.
“Giving blood is one of the simplest ways we can make a difference in our communities. You may never know whose life your donation will touch, but knowing that something as simple as taking an hour out of your day could help someone in need is what keeps me coming back and encouraging others to donate too,” says Theunissen.
Alongside Stephan’s personal experience, SANBS Donor Relations Practitioner Bronwyn Petersen takes viewers beyond the donation chair, explaining who can donate and why different blood components are needed.
“O-negative can be given to anyone in an emergency, and plasma helps stop severe bleeding and stabilise patients in trauma. Together, they’re often the first things a hospital reaches for when every second counts, which is why we always need more donors of both,” says Bronwyn.
Viewers are taken through the donation process alongside the presenter, offering a behind-thescenes look at what happens from the moment a donor arrives at the centre to the point where their donation becomes part of the blood supply.
The episode also highlights the growing impact of the SANBS and Round Table Southern Africa partnership, which has contributed to more than 600 new donors and over 100 blood drives.
As South Africa marks Heritage Month, the partnership provides a powerful example of how community action and a shared commitment to giving back can create a lasting impact.
“Round Table Southern Africa has always believed that real impact starts when ordinary people choose to get involved. Our partnership with SANBS is a powerful example of that. Through TafelToere, we hope to not only showcase what our members are doing in their communities, but also inspire more South Africans to put up their hands, donate blood and make a difference. One donation, one hour and one decision can ultimately help save a life,” says Wessels Dreyer, incoming President of Round Table Southern Africa.
Monique Schreiner, Senior Manager: Donor Relations at the South African National Blood Service, says the partnership demonstrates how community-driven action can help strengthen the country’s blood supply.
“We have fallen below five days’ blood stock cover, and this is a critical reminder of why regular blood donation matters. Every day, patients across South Africa rely on blood and blood products for emergency care, surgery and ongoing medical treatment. Partnerships such as the one with Round Table Southern Africa help us reach new donors and show people the real impact of their decision to donate,” says Schreiner.
She adds that the documentary offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look and builds greater understanding of the blood donation journey.
“Blood donation is a powerful example of how an individual act can have a far-reaching impact. Through this documentary, we have an opportunity to show people what happens behind the scenes and remind eligible South Africans that their decision to donate can help ensure blood is available when a patient needs it most.”
For Round Table, the episode is an opportunity to encourage more young men to see blood donation as a simple but meaningful way to contribute to their communities. The call, however, extends beyond Round Table’s membership, with eligible first-time, regular and lapsed donors all encouraged to play their part in maintaining South Africa’s blood supply
.Watch the Round Table Southern Africa docuseries, Tafel Toure, and follow Stephan Theunissen and the SANBS team as they take viewers behind the scenes of blood donation.
