Heritage Day call to action: Be a hero, donate blood

Heritage Day is often celebrated through food, music and tradition, but this year, South Africans are being urged to mark the occasion by saving lives. Under the theme “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom,” the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and Round Table Southern Africa (RTSA) have launched a new campaign, Bleed for Change, which begins on Heritage Day, September 24, and runs until February 2026.

The initiative calls on citizens to see blood donation as a modern act of heroism and Ubuntu, a legacy that strengthens the nation as much as cultural heritage does. Fewer than 1% of South Africans currently donate blood, despite daily need from mothers in childbirth, cancer patients and accident victims.

“Heritage Day is about honouring the past while building a better future. Donating blood is one of the simplest ways of doing that, you don’t need to be rich or famous to save a life,” said SANBS Reputation and Communication Manager, Sifiso Khoza.

RTSA Branding Manager Riaan Greyling said the campaign connects culture and community. “Blood donation is not just a medical act; it’s a legacy of kindness and Ubuntu that strengthens our communities,” he said.

Bleed for Change honours everyday heroes who give of themselves so that others may live, echoing the spirit of those who gave their lives for South Africa’s freedom.