Contributing to a sustainable future

In addition to promoting a sustainable environment, SANBS is committed to supporting the following sustainable development goals (SDGs) through execution of our strategic priorities. These are global goals agreed with respect to economic, environmental and social goals.

Increased life expectancy, access to health services

  • SANBS aims to be the cornerstone of healthcare services in South Africa, through the gift of life
  • We realise the critical role we play in sustaining a healthy society and health system
  • 83 (FY20:83) blood banks and 449 (FY20: 440) emergency blood fridges to ensure equitable access for all citizens

Promoting learning opportunities for employees to remain relevant in the future

  • SANBS invests in the continuous development of its people which includes a formal learning academy to create employees “fit for the future”
  • SANBS does not only collect blood, but also educates donors on a healthy lifestyle, creates awareness about diseases -forging a relationship based on reputation care and trust

Empowering women and creating equal opportunities

  • Remuneration policies and practices are reviewed to ensure fairness and equality
  • Female staff comprise 59% (FY20: 58%)
  • Board composition = 55% (FY20:60%) female
  • Executive Committee composition = >57% (FY20: 43%) female

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all

  • Committed to an environment conducive for our employees to thrive and perform. New staff are trained to operate seamlessly. Our cultural and leadership initiatives are bearing fruit and the business is on a sound footing financially with improved debt collection
  • To further embrace our diversity, we have contracted with 10 (FY20:15) young people with disabilities on a learnership in business administration and looking at how best they can be integrated into our business

Investment in research, development and innovation

  • SANBS is at the forefront of technology in the blood transfusion space, both in terms of providing convalescent plasma to patients with Coronavirus as well as implementing exciting new drone technologies to save lives in rural areas
  • International collaboration for research in transmitted transfusion infections (HIV, HBV)

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

  • We are committed to decrease wastage and promote appropriate use of blood and increase SANBS’ social responsibility environmental impact and reducing cost

Focused efforts on reducing our carbon footprint

  • The SANBS Greening Task Team, continues to monitor, measure and introduce initiatives to minimise negative impacts on the environment, through 6 objectives:
    • Energy conservation
    • Optimisation of water consumption and conservation
    • Management of land and air pollution
    • Optimisation of procurement
    • Environmentally sustainable buildings
    • Environmentally conscious culture

Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels

  • SANBS products and services meet the quality control requirements of regulatory bodies and national standards to meet internal and external customer requirements and ensure our blood products are safe