UCT leads in blood donation efforts

As the world celebrates World Blood Donor month, the University of Cape Town (UCT) community has many reasons to be proud of the generosity of its members, which saves lives, strengthens communities and embodies the spirit of solidarity.

Last year, UCT was named the top-performing tertiary institution in the Western Cape Blood Service’s (WCBS) annual awards, recognising its exceptional and consistent support for blood donation on campus.

Each year, WCBS acknowledges institutions and organisations that go above and beyond in promoting and facilitating blood donation drives. UCT was awarded the coveted university category award for the second consecutive time, a testament to its unwavering commitment to saving lives.

UCT’s partnership with WCBS spans several years, during which time the university has provided regular, cost-free access to venues, supported advertising efforts, and mobilised its student body to donate blood in large numbers.

“We nominate organisations across categories based on several criteria,” explained Nadia Turner, a WCBS public relations practitioner. “This includes allowing us to host blood drives at least four times a year, providing venues free of charge, and assisting with advertising – for example, allowing A1 posters to be displayed on streetlamps around campus. UCT ticks all these boxes and more.”

Strong student leadership

In addition to logistical support, UCT’s Students’ Representative Council (SRC) plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about upcoming clinics, helping to secure bookings, and encouraging students to donate. “The SRC has been fantastic. Their involvement has had a direct impact on the success of each clinic,” said Turner.

UCT’s efforts were recognised based on the volume of blood donations collected throughout the year, an important metric in determining the annual winner. While other universities were also nominated, UCT emerged as the top performer.

“This recognition isn’t just about numbers,” Turner explained. “It’s about consistent partnership, community spirit, and genuine effort. UCT continues to demonstrate that, and they richly deserve this award.”

As part of its ongoing efforts to increase donations, WCBS brought its mobile Blood Bus to UCT ahead of the main campus clinics recently. The clinics take place quarterly and the next one is scheduled for August.  The bus focused specifically on first-time donors, offering a more relaxed and personalised environment.

“We’re trying to give new donors more attention on their first visit,” Turner noted. “The main clinic can get quite busy, so this gives them a chance to learn about the process in a calmer setting. Of course, they’re welcome at the main clinic as well.”

“The students are amazing. Some started donating in high school and are thrilled to continue on campus. But we’d love to see more staff members step forward too.”

Student donors matter

With less than 1% of the Western Cape’s population actively donating blood, the need for regular donors, especially young ones, has never been greater. The Western Cape alone requires around 700 units of blood each day to meet hospital demands.

“The youth are the blood donors of the future,” said Turner. “As current donors age and eventually become ineligible to donate, we need the next generation to step in. University students are in the perfect position to help.”

Each unit of donated blood can save up to three lives, and the process takes only about 30 minutes. “It’s a simple, selfless act that doesn’t cost anything but can make a massive difference,” she added.

While student response at UCT has been overwhelmingly positive, WCBS hopes to see greater participation from university staff. “The students are amazing. Some started donating in high school and are thrilled to continue on campus. But we’d love to see more staff members step forward too.”

With UCT now a two-time consecutive award winner, the challenge is to maintain the momentum. WCBS is optimistic that the university community will continue to embrace blood donation with enthusiasm and pride.

“UCT’s response this year has already been encouraging,” Turner said. “If the trend continues, they could easily claim the top spot again.”