A staff member places a heart shaped stress ball in a donor's hand to squeeze to improve blood flow. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

The Western Province Blood Service (WPBS) visited the University of the Western Cape (UWC) from 24 to 26 February for its quarterly blood drive, aimed at maintaining a five-day blood stock level for each blood group.

WPBS employee Boyisana Nkolovane explained that UWC is one of three universities that consistently records the highest number of blood donors.  “We easily get over 100 donors a day, with mostly students donating,” said Nkolovane.

He explained that younger donors tend to be more open to participating in blood donation initiatives. “Some people can be reserved because of cultural differences or religion, but students break those boundaries. Once they come here, regardless of their background, they mix with other cultures and religions, so they begin to see life differently from their parents.”

Sibonginkosi Duze has donated blood six times at UWC. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Sibonginkosi Duze, who is in his final year of Bachelor of Laws, said donating blood is about contributing to the well-being of others.  “It’s all about giving back to the community because there may be someone who needs the blood more than I do,” he said. 

He encouraged fellow students to donate if they could: “You may be the one in need of blood one day, so donating is a way of helping others in advance.”

Inside the Jakes Gerwel Hall, rows of donation chairs were occupied as students steadily arrived to participate. The intake queue quickly filled as more donors joined, welcomed by friendly WPBS staff and brightly decorated donation stations.

Fourth-year Biotechnology student Khanyisile Maxhalanga emphasised the importance of preparation before donating.  “Prepare yourself by having a good breakfast and eating foods that help maintain healthy iron levels to ensure that you qualify to donate,” she said.

Students queue to donate blood at UWC.  Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Donors complete a Donor Health Questionnaire prior to donation. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Khanyisile Maxhalanga laughs at her friend while donating blood. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Staff member Elethu Mpoki donates during her break. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

A single unit of whole blood, about 475ml, is collected per donor. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC