Western Cape – 3 August 2026: Less than 1% of people in the Western Cape donate blood, yet thousands of patients depend on blood transfusions every day. This August, the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) is challenging the public to ՙBe the One՚ and join the remarkable community of blood donors helping to save lives every day.
Every day, patients across the Western Cape rely on blood donations for emergency treatment, surgery, childbirth complications, cancer treatment and chronic illnesses. In a province of 7.6 million people, only 69 608 are active blood donors. That means that less than 1% of the province’s population currently donates blood. To maintain a sustainable blood supply, WCBS needs to grow its donor base to at least 1% of the population.
The ՙ Be the One՚ campaign is both a celebration and a challenge. It celebrates the thousands of dedicated blood donors who continue to save lives through their regular donations while encouraging those who have never donated before to become one of them. Every regular blood donor was once a first-time donor. This August, WCBS is inviting everyone to ՙ Be the One՚ who takes that first step, returns to donate again, or continues making a lifesaving difference.
“We appreciate every blood donor who steps up and saves up to three lives with a single donation,” said Marike Carli, Public Relations Manager for WCBS. “Every blood donation begins with one decision. Right now, less than 1% of people in the Western Cape choose to donate blood, yet those donors make lifesaving treatment possible for thousands of patients every year. We often assume someone else will do it, but every donation counts. This August, we’re asking more people to ‘Be the One’ who steps forward, ‘Be the One’ who donates, and ‘Be the One’ who makes a difference.”
If you are between 16 and 75, weigh 50kg 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. Blood donation only takes 30 minutes of your time and you can donate blood every 56 days.
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.
