Western Cape – 10 November 2026: The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is urgently appealing to blood donors across the province as O-positive and O-negative blood stocks have dropped to just a two-day supply, well below the required five-day level.
The pressure extends beyond O blood, with five of the eight blood groups currently below the required stock level. A-positive and AB-positive are at a three-day supply, while B-positive is at four days. WCBS is urging all eligible donors, particularly those with O-positive and O-negative blood, to donate as soon as possible.
“O blood plays a vital role in emergencies, particularly when every second counts. O-negative blood can be given to patients of any blood group when there is no time to determine their blood type, while O-positive blood can be given to patients with positive blood groups,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at WCBS. “Blood cannot be manufactured, and we rely entirely on the generosity of voluntary blood donors. We urgently encourage everyone who is eligible, to make blood donation a priority this week.”
WCBS needs to collect approximately 700 units of blood every day to meet hospital demand across the Western Cape. Blood is needed daily for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth complications and those injured in accidents.
With the festive season approaching, maintaining sufficient blood stocks becomes increasingly important as regular donation routines are disrupted by holidays and travel.
A blood donation takes only about 30 minutes, and one donation can help save up to three lives. WCBS encourages both regular donors who are due to donate, and eligible first-time donors to visit their nearest blood donation clinic. To become a blood donor, you must be between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50 kg or more, be in good general health and lead a safe sexual lifestyle.
WCBS has six blood donation centres across Cape Town, conveniently located at N1 City Mall, Capegate Shopping Centre, Blue Route Mall, Kenilworth Centre, Somerset Mall and 9 Long Street in Cape Town. Mobile blood donation clinics are also held throughout the Western Cape, making blood donation convenient. To find your closest blood donation clinic and to view clinic times and dates, visit www.wcbs.org.za and click on the Blood Donation tab.
Alternatively, send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244 (scan QR code below). Follow the Western Cape Blood Service, thewcbsofficial, @the_WCBS, on social media for updates.
Do something remarkable. Donate blood.
Distributed by the Western Cape Blood Service
Public Relations Manager – Marike Carli
0718563625 | marike@wcbs.org.za
About the Western Cape Blood Service:
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is a non-profit regional health organisation, dedicated to collecting blood from voluntary blood donors, and providing the safest blood products and efficient service to the community, while operating at the highest professional and ethical standards and remaining a viable organisation. WCBS works without prejudice to supply safe blood and blood products to all communities in the region, from Cape Town all the way up to George. It’s our goal to deliver a world-class blood service in the Western Cape.
