Johannesburg - More than 23 local television and music stars have joined the South African National Blood Services (SANBS) in urging members of the public to become regular blood donors.
Launched in Johannesburg on Thursday, the Ambassador Programme will play a critical role in helping the blood service create awareness around blood donation.
SANBS Ambassador and former 7de Laan actor, Nathalie van der Walt, said while she had been a regular donor, it was only since she had fallen pregnant that she realised how important blood was during child birth.
"I'm now pregnant and my views have changed. I'm more inspired to get people involved because I've since learned that more blood goes to child birth."
Before she fell pregnant, Nathalie donated every second month.
Platinum Stars soccer player Godfrey Sapula said while most people were aware that it was important to donate blood, they did not have the relevant information about how to go about it.
He explained that that is why he jumped at the chance to become an SANBS ambassador.
"I'm one of those people who didn't bother when passing people donating blood in malls. However, I have since realised how important it is to donate blood.
"I've decided to take part in the programme as a means of giving back to the community by creating awareness on the importance of being a blood donor, the campaign is for a good course, which is to save peoples' lives," Godfrey told SaNews.
Presenter on youth radio station YFM, Mpho Maboi said she decided to take part in the programme because radio was an important platform to communicate to the youth.
"They youth look up to us and listen to everything they say," she said.
SANBS Marketing and Communications Executive, Zali Mbombo told BuaNews the organisation decided to involve celebrities because people will easily follow their lead.
"We are hoping that the initiative will increase the numbers of people who will come forward and donate blood, our aim is to have a stable blood stock," Ms Mbombo said.
South Africa needs 3 000 units of blood a day in order to meet the demands of cancer and leukaemia treatment, childbirth and gynaecological cases, surgery, research, paediatric cases, orthopaedic cases, malaria, blood diseases and casualties.
Blood is also needed for many car crash victims.
Every unit of blood which is donated by a member of the public can save up to three lives.
People who qualify to donate blood should be between 16 and 65 years old, weigh 50 kg or more, be in good health.
"Most importantly, they must be leading a safe sex lifestyle," SANBS spokesperson Justice Mohale said.
Other stars involved in the campaign include Lefa Tsutsu Lupa from Moroka Swallows and Marisa Bosman and Stephen van Niekerk from the soapie Isidingo. Sanews.gov.za
