Western Cape – 1 September 2026: The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is urgently appealing to all blood donors to donate blood as stocks across the province remain critically low.
WCBS aims to maintain a five-day blood supply to ensure sufficient blood is available for patients in need. Currently, four of the eight blood groups are below this target: O-negative and O-positive are down to a two-day supply, B-negative and AB-positive are sitting at a three-day supply. As spring ushers in a season of fresh starts, WCBS is urgently appealing to South Africans to turn that renewed energy into action and help restore this critical supply.
WCBS is calling on the public to revisit the goals they set at the beginning of the year and make one resolution that can have a direct impact on someone else’s life, to give blood. Through its September “Ready, Set, Red” campaign, WCBS is encouraging both regular and first-time blood donors to make blood donation part of their routine this spring. A single blood donation can help save up to three lives, and takes only 30 minutes, making it one of the simplest ways to make a meaningful difference in your community.
“By September, the motivation behind many New Year’s resolutions may have faded, but it is never too late to start again,” says Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager at the Western Cape Blood Service. “Ready, Set, Red is a reminder that making a difference does not have to be complicated. With our O blood stocks currently critically low, there could not be a better time to start. Giving blood is a simple action that can become a regular habit and, most importantly, can help save lives.”
Donors can give blood every 56 days, provided they meet the donation criteria, helping WCBS maintain the blood supply throughout the year. For donors looking to turn their intention into a regular commitment, WCBS is encouraging donors to give blood four times a year. As part of the commitment campaign, donors who make four donations during the year will receive a token of appreciation, a limited-edition WCBS coffee plunger and mug set.
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50 kg or more, are in good general health, and lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you should be able to donate. Donors are advised to eat something before visiting a clinic and to increase their fluid intake before, during, and after donation.
For more information or to find your closest blood donation clinic, visit www.wcbs.org.za, or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244. Scan the QR code below for any enquiries about blood donation. Be sure to follow our WhatsApp Channel, by scanning the QR code below.
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.
