Category: News

Home Affairs reaches milestone with over 100 bank branches

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The Department of Home Affairs has reached yet another major milestone on its digital transformation journey, with 110 branches already live across the length and breadth of South Africa.  

The department has exceeded its own internal target of rolling out its new Digital Partnership Model to 100 bank branches by the end of March.

Additionally, First National Bank (FNB) has officially become the third bank to join the rollout of this ground-breaking project at their branches.

Just three weeks after the first branch was launched, 77 branches of Capitec Bank, 30 branches of Standard Bank, and the first three branches of First National Bank are now live throughout the country, offering Smart ID replacement services in communities that never had access before.

When compared to the existing 248 Home Affairs offices offering Smart ID services, the addition of 110 more service points constitutes a 44% service expansion in just three weeks.

To date, more than 25 000 Smart ID applications have already been processed through participating bank branches, with the system processing applications at a rate of more than one per minute. 

Through this new model, citizens are now able to apply to replace their Green ID Book or a lost Smart ID at participating bank branches in as little as five minutes, avoiding long travel times and queues.

This initiative forms part of the Department’s Home Affairs @ home reform programme, which aims to build a modern, digital-first Home Affairs ecosystem and transform how citizens access government services.

Instead of citizens being forced to travel great distances and stand in long queues to access services at just a few physical locations around the country, Home Affairs @ home is using digital transformation to bring services to citizens right where they live.

This new service does not require any prior booking or paperwork, and is secured through cutting-edge fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

By eliminating paper-based manual processes and official discretion, the application process has also been secured against manipulation and fraud.

Having already exceeded the initial target of 100 bank branches by March 2026, Home Affairs is firmly on track to deliver on its target in the Medium-Term Development Plan to reach 1 000 bank branches by 2029. 

The rollout remains deliberate and phased to ensure system stability and service quality, with further expansion planned in the coming weeks. Absa Bank and Nedbank are currently in varying stages of testing and are expected to go live once testing is complete.

“The rapid pace at which Home Affairs is fixing long-standing problems is a testament to the power of reform-minded leadership that embraces innovation. 

“In addition to what we have already delivered, over the coming weeks, first time Smart ID applications, Passport applications, secure courier delivery of IDs and Passports, as well as applications submitted via digital banking apps will all become reality through these reforms,” Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said. 

“By expanding access and inclusion at a scale and pace not seen before, we are eliminating long queues and freeing up Home Affairs resources and officials to focus on complex tasks that have been neglected for decades, including late birth registrations and ensuring the systematic documentation of all South Africans in underserved areas. This is how we are delivering dignity for all,” Minister Schreiber concluded.

Existing Home Affairs branches and mobile offices remain available to all citizens. To find your nearest bank branch offering Smart ID services, visit: www.dha.gov.za/banks. 

How the Basic Fuel Price is calculated: A breakdown

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For South African motorists, the price paid at the pump is far more than just the cost of the fuel itself. It is the end result of many global and domestic factors, including the fluctuating price of crude oil, the strength of the rand, shipping and storage costs, and several government levies and taxes.

According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR), the fuel price is calculated using an import parity model designed to balance international competitiveness with local economic realities.

The department says the Basic Fuels Price (BFP) represents the realistic market-related cost of importing fuel into South Africa. Petrol prices are therefore directly linked to the price quoted in US dollars at refining centres in the Mediterranean, the Arab Gulf and Singapore.

Domestic fuel prices are therefore influenced by:

• International crude oil prices
• Global supply and demand for petroleum products
• The Rand/US Dollar exchange rate
The import parity principle is used to ensure that local refineries compete with international counterparts and to promote cost efficiency in a competitive global market.

International influences include:

• Free-on-Board (FOB) values – Petroleum product prices quoted daily by export-oriented refining centres in the Mediterranean, Arab Gulf and Singapore.
• Freight – The cost of transporting refined petroleum products from these centres to South African ports. Rates are based on freight data published annually and adjusted monthly using the Average Freight Rate Assessment (AFRA).
• Demurrage – Charges for delays while petroleum products are loaded and offloaded at ports. The calculation allows for a maximum delay of three days.
• Insurance – About 0.15% of the FOB value and freight cost, covering insurance and related costs such as letters of credit, surveyors and laboratory fees.
• Ocean loss – A loss allowance of 0.3% to account for normal losses during transportation.
• Cargo dues (wharfage) – Charges for using harbour facilities to offload fuel into onshore storage tanks. These tariffs are set by the National Ports Authority.
• Coastal storage – The cost of storing fuel at coastal terminals. The calculation provides for 25 days of storage and is adjusted annually according to the Producer Price Index (PPI).
• Stock financing – The cost of financing stored fuel, based on the landed cost of petroleum products, 25 days of stockholding and the prime interest rate minus 2%.
The BFP, quoted in US dollars per barrel or ton, is converted to US cents per litre and then to South African cents per litre using the applicable exchange rate.

Domestic influences also affect the final fuel price and include:

• Inland transport costs – The cost of transporting fuel from coastal refineries to inland depots by road, rail or pipeline.
• Wholesale margin – A regulated margin granted to fuel wholesalers. It aims to provide an industry-average return of about 15% on depreciated asset values.
• Retail profit margin – A margin set by government to cover service station operating costs, including rent, labour, overheads and business compensation.
• General Fuel Levy – A tax collected on every litre of fuel to fund government spending.
• Road Accident Fund levy – Adjusted annually to fund compensation for road accident victims.
• Carbon Fuel Levy – Introduced to reduce carbon emissions.
• Customs and Excise Levy – A tax imposed by the South African Revenue Service.

Another component is the Slate Levy, which is a temporary adjustment based on daily calculations.
If the daily BFP is higher than the fuel price at the pump, an under-recovery occurs, meaning consumers are paying too little. If the daily BFP is lower, an over-recovery occurs, meaning consumers are paying too much.

These daily calculations are averaged over the monthly review period. The difference is multiplied by the volume of fuel sold and recorded in a cumulative recovery account.

If this account moves into a negative balance, a Slate Levy is added to fuel prices to recover the shortfall.

2 200 soldiers deployed to five provinces

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2 200 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed from today to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the fight against crime.

According to the Presidency, the deployment serves to prevent and combat crime, and support and preserve law and order under Operation Prosper which is targeting illegal mining and gangsterism.

“The deployed members of the SANDF will assist the South African Police Service to prevent and combat illegal mining and gangsterism in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape.

“The deployment is until 31 March 2027,” said the Presidency in a statement.

The Presidency said expenditure for this employment is estimated at R823 153 960.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on communities to welcome and work more closely with the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force to identify and alienate criminal elements and make neighbourhoods safer in the process.

R1bn tourism infrastructure pipeline to boost investment and jobs

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Government’s push to build tourism infrastructure has begun to yield results, with eight investment-ready projects worth more than R1 billion now unveiled.

About 18 months ago, government called on provinces and cities to submit proposals aimed not only at attracting visitors, but at building long-term infrastructure to sustain the tourism sector. The response, officials say, was overwhelming.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, eight projects have been identified as fully structured and bankable.

Speaking at the Investment Opportunity Commission on Infrastructure, Tourism and Hospitality, during the Sixth South Africa Investment Conference on Tuesday, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said the projects mark a shift in how tourism is being positioned.

“For the first time at this Investment Conference, tourism infrastructure investment projects are being presented not as ideas, but as opportunities,” de Lille said.

She said the initiative is aimed at diversifying South Africa’s tourism offering, introducing new products, and maintaining existing infrastructure.

“We have to diversify our tourism offering to the rest of the world, bring in new products, but also look at maintenance of our existing tourism infrastructure,” she said.

De Lille emphasised that tourism is one of the most employment-intensive sectors, making infrastructure development critical to job creation and economic growth.

She added that investor confidence depends on how projects are structured.

“Investors ask the same questions: is there a credible pipeline? Is the regulatory pathway clear? Are risks allocated appropriately, and are revenue streams predictable? These are the central considerations,” she said.

To improve the investment process, the department has established an investment facilitation unit to streamline engagement and reduce bureaucratic delays.

John Lamola, Group Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, highlighted the critical role of air connectivity in tourism growth.

He said air travel, often driven by tourism, plays a broader role in fostering global understanding.

“When people travel, they don’t just move across borders — they move across understanding,” Lamola said.

He stressed that without adequate air access, even the strongest tourism offerings would struggle to succeed.

“If we cannot bring people here, then even the best tourism product cannot succeed,” he said.

Brand South Africa CEO Neville Matjie underscored tourism’s importance to economic development, noting that investment in the sector helps bridge social and cultural divides.

Panelists agreed that tourism should be approached as an infrastructure and competitiveness issue rather than purely a destination-driven sector.

They emphasised the need for projects to be structured with clear revenue models, defined risks and long-term viability to attract investment.

“Tourism must be understood not just as a destination story, but as an infrastructure and competitiveness story. That’s where the real competitive advantage lies,” one panelist noted.

“Investors don’t invest in stories; they invest in certainty.”

Godongwana: R3 fuel levy relief to cushion South Africans

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Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana says government’s decision to introduce a temporary R3 per litre fuel levy reduction is aimed at cushioning South Africans from what he describes as a significant economic shock driven by global oil price pressures. 

The R3 per litre reduction in the fuel levy announced, is aimed at lessening the impact of severe fuel price hikes, that come into effect Wednesday. 

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) on Tuesday, Godongwana said government had been closely monitoring rising tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global oil markets, which threatened to trigger steep fuel price hikes locally.

“We are aware that developments in the Middle East and their impact on oil prices are likely to affect our economy. We discussed different models and had to arrive at one that is affordable within the current fiscal environment,” the Minister said. 

Government ultimately settled on a R3 per litre relief for petrol and diesel adjustment through a temporary reduction in the general fuel levy.

The intervention comes into effect from 1 April and will run for one month, significantly softening the expected fuel price increase, which was projected to exceed R5 per litre for petrol and climb even higher for diesel.

This as the price of  all grades of petrol are set to rise by R3.06 a litre on Wednesday. The price of diesel will also rise by between R7.37 per litre and R7.51 per litre. 

While motorists will still feel the increase, Godongwana said the relief ensures the impact is less severe.

“This is still for April. We are going to assess what to do in May and June,” he said, noting that the current intervention alone will cost the country around R6 billion in foregone revenue.

The Minister acknowledged that diesel prices remain a major concern due to their broader impact on the economy.

“The diesel sector powers the economy, and changes in diesel prices affect everything – food, fertiliser and transport costs,” he said.

To address this, the Minister said an interdepartmental team is exploring additional interventions beyond fiscal measures to mitigate knock-on effects across key sectors. 

Despite the relief, Godongwana cautioned that government’s ability to sustain such measures is limited.

“This is a shock to the economy and a blow. Government can mitigate the effects for a specific period, but we cannot sustain it for longer without collapsing the tax system.”

He indicated that any continued relief would likely be limited to a maximum of three months, depending on global developments. 

The Minister also stressed that South Africa is not alone in facing these pressures, as countries worldwide grapple with rising energy costs linked to geopolitical instability.

“If the war continues, a number of countries throughout the world are facing similar challenges,” he said. 

On concerns about a potential recession, Godongwana said it was too early to raise alarm.

“Not at this stage,” he said, adding that inflation is expected to rise moderately by around 1.2 percentage points, remaining within the targeted range.

Government said the relief forms part of a broader, phased response that balances consumer protection with fiscal sustainability, with further support measures expected to be announced in the coming months.

Petrol, diesel prices announced

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The Department of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (DMPR) has announced that petrol and diesel prices will increase by between R3.06 and R7.51 from midnight.

The increase comes amid government efforts to cushion the blow for consumers through the introduction of a temporary R3 decrease in the general fuel levy.

Prices were widely expected to increase steeply as conflict in the Middle East has triggered global exponential increases in the price of Brent Crude Oil.

The adjusted prices for April are:

Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): R 3.06 per litre increase.
Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): R 3.06 per litre increase.
Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R7.37 per litre increase.
Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R7.51 per litre increase.
Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): R11.67 per litre increase. 

Single Maximum National Retail Price for Illuminating Paraffin: R15.60 per litre increase. 

Maximum Retail Price of LPGas: R1.08 per kg) increase and R1.23 per kg increase in the Western Cape. 
“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from US$69.08 to US$93.67 during the period under review.

This is due to the continued tension between the US and Iran, which has affected crude oil supply, especially through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The average international product prices followed the increasing trend of crude oil price. These factors led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by R5.26 per litre, R9.49 per litre and R10.80 per litre, respectively.

“The prices of Propane and Butane remained the same during the period under review due to lower demand because of the change in season to warmer weather in the Northern Hemisphere. However, shipping costs were higher due to the conflict in the Middle East,” the department explained.

Furthermore, the Rand depreciated against the US Dollar during the period under review – weakening from R16.00 to R16.64 Rand per USD.

“This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 56.18 c/l, 78.07 c/l and 83.21 c/l respectively,” the department continued.

The temporary reduction of the general fuel levy will take effect in April – bringing relief by some R3 to the price at the pumps.

Over 43 000 Cape Gannets on Lambert’s Bay Bird Island this breeding season

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Bird Island is alive with the sounds and spectacle of seabirds, with an estimated over 43 000 Cape Gannets currently making the island their home this breeding season. The thriving colony reinforces Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay, as one of South Africa’s most important gannet breeding sites and highlights the impact of ongoing marine conservation work.

The conservation team at Bird Island is encouraged by the sustained strong presence of gannets on the island. Work is currently underway to enhance population monitoring and improve the accuracy of long-term data. The Cape Gannet is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List and Vulnerable on the SANBI Red List.

Restoring and maintaining the gannet colony has not been without challenges. In December 2005, on-land seal predation caused the entire colony to abandon the island. Through careful management by CapeNature, mitigation measures were implemented to manage predators, and bird decoys were used to lure the birds back, enabling the colony to rebuild.

Over the past year, the population has increased to well into the 40 000s, compared to consistently remaining in the 30 000s over the previous five years. This notable growth is not only the result of local breeding success but also suggests that gannets from other colonies are selecting Bird Island as a preferred breeding site.

"This kind of sustained occupancy is a positive sign for the species and for the marine environment that supports them. Large, stable gannet colonies like the one on Bird Island are important indicators of ocean health along the West Coast. These seabirds rely on healthy marine ecosystems for their nutrition and breeding success, so when we see them in large numbers, it reflects a positive conservation outcome," said Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.

Early indications suggest this could be one of the strongest gannets fledging seasons in several years. To date, 7 647 fledglings have been recorded, with several weeks of the season still to go.

Gannet fledging is one of nature’s most extraordinary events. Young birds leave the safety of the colony to embark on a two- to three-year ocean-wide journey, returning only once they are ready to breed.

In partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), rangers have ringed 750 gannet chicks and 250 adult birds this season, contributing valuable data to national seabird research and monitoring programmes.

The island remains home to a diverse community of seabirds, including Cape, Crowned and White-breasted Cormorants; Common and Greater Crested Terns; Hartlaub’s Gulls; and Kelp Gulls. Adding a touch of character to the season, a moulting penguin has also taken up temporary residence, sheltering within the gannet colony.

Complementing these conservation efforts, Bird Island’s interpretive signage was updated and launched ahead of last year’s summer tourism season. The signage offers visitors fresh insights into the island’s inhabitants, history, and the role seabird colonies play in marine ecosystems.

With its remarkable seabird encounters, improved visitor facilities, and ongoing research efforts, Bird Island remains a must-see destination for anyone exploring the West Coast, particularly birders and nature enthusiasts eager to witness one of South Africa’s great seabird spectacles.

Western Cape adds 800+ posts to strengthen public healthcare system

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The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness is entering a new phase of stabilisation and strengthening of its health system, with more than 800 new posts being added to frontline and support services as part of the R34.47 billion Health and Wellness Budget for 2026/27. Over the next three years, the Western Cape will invest more than R106 billion to achieve a healthier Western Cape and a healthcare system that works better for everyone, everywhere.

This marks a decisive shift from crisis response to renewal, as the province balances the urgent needs of today with bold investments in the future of healthcare.

Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said the budget reflects a clear vision for the future. “We are moving beyond simply managing pressure. This budget allows us to actively stabilise and invest, and transform our health system so that it works better for every resident, at every stage of life.”

After years of sustained pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic, fiscal constraints, austerity, national policies that have limited workforce growth and rising demand, the system is beginning to stabilise. Now, the focus is on building a healthcare system that is more responsive, more resilient, and better able to meet the needs of every resident.

The addition of more than 800 posts, including 316 nurses, 124 doctors, 80 emergency medical personnel, 38 allied health professional and 278 support staff, will strengthen care where it matters most: at the frontline. It will ease pressure on facilities, improve patient experience, and support the more than 33 000 healthcare workers who continue to deliver care under demanding conditions. 

At the same time, this budget is about much more than numbers. It is about reshaping how healthcare is delivered.

“We are strengthening our frontline services today, but we are also investing in prevention, digital innovation, and modern infrastructure so that fewer people need hospital care in the first place, and those who do receive it faster, closer to home, and with dignity,” said Minister Wenger.

Over the past year, the system recorded more than 20 million patient contacts, underscoring both the scale of demand and the vital role of public healthcare in the province. 

The 2026/27 budget responds directly to this demand.

Primary healthcare services will be strengthened with an investment of R5.4 billion this financial year, bringing care closer to communities and placing greater emphasis on prevention and early intervention. Emergency medical services will be expanded, with additional personnel deployed in high-need areas and partnerships leveraged to improve patient flow and reduce waiting times.

At the same time, the province is investing in the future of care.

New digital platforms will make it easier for patients to navigate the health system, reduce congestion at facilities, and support clinicians with better access to information. These behind-the-scenes digital upgrades will be foundational to develop a healthcare system that can take advantage of every technological advancement. 

Crucially, prevention remains at the centre of the province’s long-term strategy, with sustained investment in vaccination, HIV and TB programmes, and community-based interventions designed to reduce pressure on the system over time.

“This is how we build a health system that lasts,” said Minister Wenger “By meeting the needs of today while investing in the systems, people and partnerships that will shape the next decade of healthcare in the Western Cape.”

How April’s expected fuel price hike could hit South Africans’ monthly car ownership costs

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South African drivers should brace for a prolonged period of higher fuel costs, with petrol and diesel prices expected to rise by record levels in April. The expected hike reflects a combination of higher fuel levies, under-recovery of fuel costs, a weaker rand/dollar exchange rate, and a surge in global oil prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. Given that fuel is one of the highest variable costs of owning a car, the expected increase is an important reminder for drivers to review their car related costs and driving habits. 

Says Ernest North, cofounder of Naked Insurance: “The conflict in the Middle East has caused a shock to oil supply and sent prices soaring. Prices may increase further if the war intensifies, and even if it ends soon, it may still take time for oil prices to normalise. Apart from higher prices at the pump, the increase in oil prices could also cause prices of other goods to rise and may prompt the Reserve Bank to increase interest rates. Against this backdrop, it is wise for motorists to review their car-related costs.” 

What the expected increase could mean in real terms

Using estimated April prices currently being reported*, together with a benchmark fuel efficiency of 15 km per litre and average monthly travel of 1,000 km, here’s how the increase could hit your pocket:
Petrol 95 Unleaded inland:

•    March price: R20.30/litre = R1,353/month 
•    Expected April price: R26.33/litre = R1,755/month
•    Increase: about R402 more per month 
•    Annual impact: about R4,824 more per year 

Diesel with 0,05% sulphur inland (wholesale):
•    March price: R18.53/litre = R1,235/month 
•    Expected April price: R28.88/litre = R1,925/month 
•    Increase: about R690 more per month 
•    Annual impact: about R8,280 more per year 

The bad news is that oil prices are expected to remain volatile and could climb further for as long as the instability in the Middle East continues. The table below illustrates how future increases could affect your monthly petrol costs, assuming fuel efficiency of 15 km per litre: 

Says North: “The reality is that if fuel prices continue to spike, we may re-enter a period of high inflation, which will affect the cost of car ownership in many ways. Drivers should be aware that they may face higher interest rates for car loan repayments, and steeper maintenance and repair costs. South Africans may also see prices of clothing, food and other essentials rise due to the higher fuel cost.”

North recommends calculating the full cost of car ownership carefully, especially if you are in the market for a new car. “You need to look beyond the purchase price or monthly car repayment. Insurance, fuel, unexpected repairs and routine services and maintenance also need to be considered. In today’s context, it makes sense to budget cautiously rather than splashing out on the latest and best model you can afford. Leave some room in your budget for additional fuel price increases, higher insurance costs and rising maintenance costs.” 

“We expect to see many South Africans look at fuel-efficient cars rather than petrol-guzzling SUVs if fuel prices keep rising,” says North. “The current environment could also boost interest in electric vehicles. While electric vehicles are still expensive in South Africa, there are more budget-friendly models from emerging brands reaching the market. In addition, there are attractively priced hybrids that are a good fit for people who do a lot of driving.”

Practical tips: How to reduce fuel and car ownership costs
Naked Insurance suggests a few practical ways motorists can save money on fuel and car ownership without buying a new car:
•    Drive less where possible: Combine trips, plan errands efficiently and avoid unnecessary short journeys. 
•    Carpool or lift-share: Share trips with colleagues and friends to split fuel costs. 
•    Use public transport if possible: Options like the Gautrain may save you some time and money.
•    Work from home when you can: Even one or two days a week can meaningfully cut monthly fuel spend. 
•    Adopt smoother driving habits: Avoid hard acceleration and braking, stick to steady speeds and use cruise control on highways where appropriate. 
•    Keep your car well maintained: Regular servicing, clean air filters, and properly inflated tyres improve fuel efficiency and prevent bigger repair costs later. 
•    Choose the right time to drive: Avoid peak traffic where possible. Stop-start driving burns more fuel. 
•    Increase insurance excess (carefully): A higher excess can lower monthly insurance premiums, but only if you can comfortably afford that amount in the event of a claim. 
•    Use CoverPause: Naked customers can use the app to turn off accident cover on days that you don’t drive, and save up to 50% of your premium.
•    Consider becoming a single-car household: If feasible, selling a second vehicle can eliminate fuel, insurance, and maintenance costs entirely. 

South Africans urged to donate blood ahead of the Easter break

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As the Easter Holidays approach, the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is calling on South Africans to donate blood, highlighting the critical need to maintain adequate supplies during the long weekend.

The SANBS has set a national target of collecting 6 000 units of blood by today, Saturday, 28 March 2026, as part of its “Answer the Call” campaign.

The organisation warned that while many people will be travelling or spending time with loved ones over the long weekend, hospitals will continue to treat trauma patients, perform surgeries, and care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and managing chronic illnesses, all of which rely on a steady blood supply.

“In hospitals across South Africa, there are patients lying in hospital beds whose recovery depends on something many of us can give in just 30 minutes, blood. Behind every blood donation is a life waiting to be saved,” the SANBS said.

Public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection centres, increasing the risk of shortages.

One example is Lezhanne Hartwell, where blood donors became the lifeline that helped save her young daughter’s life. Her 18-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma in October 2020, and required a blood transfusion shortly after.

“I would like to thank all blood donors because of your generosity; you have contributed to saving our little girl's life,” Hartwell said.

Her daughter received a 200ml transfusion at Donald Gordon Hospital - an experience that changed Hartwell’s perspective on blood donation. Despite being afraid of needles, she has since committed to donating blood regularly after realising how vital it can be for families facing medical emergencies.

SANBS noted that each unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, yet public holidays often place pressure on blood stocks as fewer donors visit collection sites.

The national blood service has encouraged both regular donors and first-time donors to take time on 28 March to help ensure that hospitals have the blood they need throughout the Easter period.

Young donors like Sibongeleni Hlongwane, a 23-year-old from Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal, are already answering that call.

Hlongwane began donating blood at the age of 17 while still in school and continues to do so as a way of giving back to society.

“Donating blood is a meaningful way to help others. I encourage more young people to get involved and participate in community blood drives,” he said.

SANBS Senior Manager for Donor Relations, Monique Schreiner, said Easter is a time associated with giving and renewal.

“By donating blood, South Africans can give a gift that lasts far beyond the holiday, the gift of life,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner emphasised that the blood donation process takes about 30 minutes, but the impact can last a lifetime.

To participate, South Africans are encouraged to visit their nearest SANBS donor centre or mobile clinic on 28 March. To find your nearest donor centre, call the SANBS toll-free number on 0800 11 90 31 or visit the organisation’s website at www.sanbs.org.za 
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