In a groundbreaking effort to save lives and combat critical shortages, WCBS is teaming up with blood services across the continent for the collective, continent-wide donation celebration known as Red Saturday.
Western Cape, South Africa (13 November 2025) – Thousands of donors across multiple African nations will become a united front, collecting lifesaving blood donations to support hospitals and patients in need in a ground-breaking blood donation event, Red Saturday, taking place Saturday, 29 November 2025.
The Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) will join Red Saturday, which is more than a blood drive. It represents African unity and solidarity, a collective effort to address blood shortages across the continent, and a celebration of the lifesaving power of voluntary blood donation.
The initiative carries a simple yet powerful message:
- Voluntary blood donation saves lives.
- New donors are urgently needed to ensure a safe and sufficient blood supply.
- Blood is needed continuously – not only in emergencies, but every single day.
Over ten nations, including South Africa, Namibia, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Tunisia, Senegal, Rwanda, Chad, Cameroon, and Cabo Verde, have united in this historic event. Together, they will mobilise communities, inspire donors, and showcase Africa’s united commitment to saving lives.
“Red Saturday embodies the spirit of African solidarity,” said Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager.
“By donating blood, we are not only giving life, but also strengthening the bonds that unite us as a continent.”
Some of the participating services include the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) and the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) from South Africa, the Blood Transfusion Service of Namibia (NAMBTS), the National Blood Service Ghana (NBS Ghana), the Ethiopian National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS Ethiopia), and the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS), to name but a few.
Through coordinated local events, Red Saturday would like to:
- Inspire first-time donors to take action.
- Encourage regular donors to continue their life-saving contributions.
- Highlight the power of unity in addressing healthcare challenges.
- Amplify the message of hope, compassion, and community.
WCBS hopes that new donors across Africa will roll up their sleeves under the banner of Red Saturday, proving that when Africa stands together, lives are changed, hope is renewed, and the heartbeat of the continent grows stronger.
Blood donation criteria
If you are between 16 and 75 years old, weigh 50kg or more, and are in good general health, lead a safe sexual lifestyle, you may be eligible to donate blood.
The process takes just 30 minutes, and you may donate every 56 days. Donors are encouraged to eat a good meal within 3-4 hours before donating and increase their fluid intake before and after donation.
For more information or to find your participating blood donation clinic, visit wcbs.org.za or send a WhatsApp to 060 549 7244.
Sources: Supplied
Don’t ever miss the Good Things. Download the Good Things Guy App now on Apple or Google.
Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes and hear their incredible stories:
Or catch an episode of Good Things with Brent Lindeque or our Weekly Top 5 below. The videos here are always changing, updated with the latest episodes from these two shows. Both are part of Good Things TV, created to bring South Africans balance at a time when the news can feel overwhelmingly negative. Our goal is simple: to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in our country – and to leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.
by 