On Saturday, 29 November 2025, something remarkable happened across Africa. Thousands of people in cities, towns, and villages rolled up their sleeves for one shared purpose — to give blood and to give life.
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) joined blood services from South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Tunisia, Senegal, Rwanda, Chad, Cameroon, Mozambique and Cabo Verde for the first-ever Red Saturday Africa event.
The idea was simple but powerful: one day, one continent, one purpose. And what a day it turned out to be.
Across the Western Cape, 913 people attended one of our blood donation clinics, and we collected 786 units of blood in a single day. Even more inspiring was the number of new donors who came forward — 201 in total! That’s 25.5% of all donations, exceeding our goal and proving that the spirit of giving is alive and thriving in the Western Cape. The other African countries all saw success. The South African National Blood Service collected 4860 units of blood; the Ethiopian Blood and Tissue Bank Service collected 4913; the National Blood Service in Ghana collected 1173; and the National Blood Service of Zimbabwe collected 850, to name a few.
Red Saturday was a true milestone for us — but it also felt like the start of something bigger. The sense of unity across the province was inspiring, and every donor who walked through our doors helped build that momentum.
From early morning until late afternoon, donors streamed into WCBS blood donation clinics across the province. At Liberty Promenade, Table Bay Mall, Vangate Mall, Blue Route Mall, N1 City Mall, Cape Gate Shopping Centre, Somerset Mall, Kenilworth Centre, Whale Coast Mall, and Langeberg Mall, the energy was electric. First-time donors arrived a little nervous, but left proud — smiling as they realised that one simple act could save up to three lives. Regular donors stood alongside them, offering encouragement and celebrating together.
What truly made the day memorable was the sense of connection. It didn’t matter where you came from or which site you visited — on that day, we were all African, united by compassion. While the world focused on shopping deals that weekend, Africa chose to give something far more valuable — the gift of life.
The success of Red Saturday has laid the foundation for what we hope will become a lasting tradition — a day when African nations come together each year to give blood, share hope, and save lives.
To every donor who gave, and every person who encouraged someone to donate — thank you. You didn’t just give blood; you gave someone another tomorrow.
If you couldn’t make it on Red Saturday, it’s never too late to get involved. Blood is needed every day of the year. Visit wcbs.org.za or WhatsApp 060 549 7244 to find your nearest donation clinic.
Together, we are Africa united in giving — one day, one continent, one purpose.
