Did you know that one unit of donated blood can save up to three people?
South Africa (24 March 2026) – In 1981, Royson Naidoo received a blood transfusion that saved his life. He made a commitment to give back. Now, over four decades later, he’s donated over 130 units of blood and has helped save the lives of nearly 400 people.
One person. Nearly 400 lives…
His journey is a powerful reminder of how one act of generosity can create a ripple effect of hope.
Saturday was Human Rights Day in South Africa. It marked 30 years of the Bill of Rights under the theme ‘Making Human Dignity Real.’ While there are many ways to honour that, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has a fairly direct one in mind.
You, like Royson, could help save a life.
This matters now as SANBS is currently experiencing low blood stock levels. Hospitals across the country depend on a steady supply to treat trauma patients, people undergoing major surgery, cancer patients, and those living with chronic blood disorders. Donation numbers typically drop over public holidays, which means that currently – and as Easter is celebrated in these coming weeks – the need is urgent.
For many patients, blood donation can be the difference between life and death.
Maxine Stander lives with Factor XIII deficiency, a rare inherited bleeding disorder. She relies on blood products as part of her ongoing treatment. Through transfusions of Fresh Frozen Plasma, she’s able to manage her condition and get on with her life. Her treatment is made possible entirely by strangers.
“I want to thank all donors for your selflessness,” she says. “Your kind-hearted act has saved the lives of countless South Africans like myself.”
Stories like Royson’s and Maxine’s remind us that giving blood is one of the most hands-on ways you can actually restore someone’s dignity, keep them alive, and give them a real future to look forward to.
“Human Rights Day is about more than just honouring our past — it’s about how we choose to show up for each other today,” says a SANBS spokesperson. “Every blood donor plays a part in giving someone back their dignity, their hope, and their chance to live. That’s what human rights look like in action.”
As part of its ‘Answer the Call’ campaign, SANBS is encouraging individuals, families and workplaces to take action by donating blood and helping restore national blood stock levels.
To find your nearest SANBS donation centre, visit sanbs.org.za.
Sources: SANBS.
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