By Nadia Turner

If you’re wondering, “Where can I donate blood?”, the answer may be closer than you think.  Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) operates six blood donor centres along with a network of mobile blood donation clinics across the province. Together these venues play an important role in helping the service meet its daily target of 700 units of blood, an amount needed to meet hospital demand and save lives every day.

With 11 mobile teams traveling across the Western Cape Monday through Friday, visiting locations such as shopping malls, residential areas, hospitals and educational institutions, bringing blood donor clinics directly to communities, and six blood donation centres offering a reliable and convenient alternative, it is easier than ever for people to give blood on their own schedule.

Blood donation centres located in malls open during the week from 10:00-18:00 with selected locations operating on Saturdays from 9:00-15:00.

The journey of these blood donation centres began in 1990 with the first centre in the Parkade Building in Cape Town. This clinic relocated to 22 Long Street in 2005 and then to our current location at 9 Long Street in 2018. Operating Tuesday through Friday, this location laid the foundation for further growth. In 2009, a second clinic opened at N1 City Mall, quickly establishing itself as a high-performing and consistently growing donor centre.

As the need for additional sites grew, the Blue Route Donor Centre opened in 2013, providing a convenient option for donors in the southern suburbs. In 2021, the fourth blood donation centre opened at Kenilworth Centre, soon followed by another at Cape Gate Shopping Centre, further expanding our reach.

Most recently, in 2024, the Somerset Mall Blood Donation Centre joined the group and has already proven to be a valuable addition.  Each donation centre has a monthly target of collecting between 360 and 940 full units of blood. In addition to whole blood, most centres, except Somerset Mall, welcome plasma donors, making plasma donation accessible and convenient.

Our mobile teams often bring blood donation right to your doorstep. With clinics in residential areas typically operating from 15:00 to 19:00, it’s easy to pop in on your way home from work. Prefer to donate when you’re out and about? Mobile clinics also set up at a wide range of shopping mall across the province, making it simple to give blood while running errands. Wherever you are, a blood donation clinic is never far away.

As the province’s population grows, so does the demand for blood.  We remain dedicated to ensuring a safe, sustainable blood supply for all communities in the Western Cape. Every donation makes a difference. By visiting one of our donation centres or a mobile clinic, you’re not just giving blood, you’re giving someone a second chance at life.

Take note of our Blood Donation Centres’ locations and times below or visit our website where you will find our blood donation calendar under the “Donate Now” button. Watch the video below to learn how to find your preferred location.

N1 City Mall
Next to Checkers
Entrance 5
Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 18:00
Sat: 09:00 – 15:00
Sun: Closed

Blue Route Mall          
Next to Standard Bank
Entrance 2
Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 18:00
Sat: 09:00 – 15:00
Sun: Closed

9 Long Street            
Tues – Fri: 08:00 – 16:00
Mon, Sat, Sun: Closed

Kenilworth Centre
Next to Dis-Chem
Entrance 1
Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 18:00
Last Saturday of the month:
09:00-15:00, Sun: Closed

Capegate Shopping Centre
Close to Mugg & Bean
Entrance 3
Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 18:00
Sat: 09:00 – 15:00
Sun: Closed

Somerset Mall
Next to to Capitec
Entrance 1
Mon-Fri: 10:00 – 18:00
Last Sat of the month:
9:00-15:00, Sun: Closed

Video thumbnail on red background with the title 'How to use our calendar to find a blood donation clinic'; play button overlay; directs viewers to wcbs.org.za/blood-donation