/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has urged South Africans to get into the habit of donating blood, saying that this practice is the right and “Godly” thing to do.

The MEC, who is a regular universal O-blood type donor, donated a pint of blood at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS)’s blood donor centre at Mega City mall in Umlazi today.

The SANBS currently has just 3,6 days worth of blood stocks in KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr Dhlomo said: “We often hear of a shortage of blood and that is always concerning because if there’s a shortage, then it means you can’t access blood from our hospitals. So, I’m here to give my contribution but also to plead with South Africans to do good - even if no one is watching. And giving blood is among those good things which we can do. For instance, one pint of blood can help a pregnant woman who has bled too much, or a cancer patient, or someone who may be in an accident. So, it’s a gift of life. And it’s a great thing because you’re giving it to someone you don’t even know. And you yourself may need that blood tomorrow. So, I’m saying it would be great for more people to do the same. It’s a Godly activity that I’d invite all South Africans to think about.”

Issued by KZN Health