OUR BUSINESS
Chairperson's Report
OUR BUSINESS
Chairperson's Report
After a year of significant digital transformation, we now look forward to a new era where customer-centricity shapes our strategy.
SANBS cannot save lives on its own; it is only through the collaborative efforts of our invaluable partners - donors, hospitals, government, medical aids, patients, doctors, and employees - that we continue to be the pulse of 21st-century healthcare.
Our stakeholders are the lifeblood of our lifesaving mission, and their support is crucial as we embark on this new chapter driven by dedicated stakeholder engagement and collaboration
Thabo Mokgatlha – Chairperson, Board of Directors
Introduction
Reflecting on the past year, and in my first year as Chairperson of the Board, SANBS stands on the brink of a transformative era, facing significant challenges while seizing new opportunities. The South African environment has presented us with various difficulties, including deteriorating social conditions, load shedding, and looming water shortages. These issues, combined with aging infrastructure and unreliable utility services, have had a direct impact on our operations and the broader healthcare system. Despite these obstacles, SANBS remains resolute in its mission to be the heartbeat of 21st-century healthcare.
Throughout the reporting period, SANBS performed commendably, meeting most of the targets outlined for key initiatives as part of our iHEALTh strategy. As we transition from this phase, our focus shifts towards shaping a future where customer-centricity drives our strategy, setting the stage for our outlook through to 2030.
Digital Transformation
Our commitment to innovation is exemplified by the successful rollout of the BECS. This advanced system has revolutionised our blood donation sites, streamlining operations and significantly boosting efficiency. BECS marks a substantial leap in our technological capabilities, enhancing both operational workflows and the overall donor experience.
This digital transformation is not just an operational upgrade; it underscores our dedication to continuous improvement and a customer-centric approach. It represents our proactive effort to adapt to the evolving healthcare landscape.
While BECS enhances our internal processes, our ability to save lives remains a collaborative endeavour, reliant on the support and engagement of all our stakeholders.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership
The support and engagement of our invaluable partners—including donors, hospitals, government bodies, medical aids, patients, doctors, and employees—are crucial to our mission. It is through these collective efforts that we sustain our lifesaving work. As we move into this new chapter, driven by stakeholder engagement and collaboration, we acknowledge that SANBS cannot achieve its goals alone.
In this context, our strategic focus on collaboration and stakeholder engagement becomes even more crucial. As South Africa faces increased healthcare demands due to population growth, emerging diseases due to climate change, and sluggish economic conditions, SANBS is committed to navigating these challenges with resilience and innovation.
Our stakeholders’ unwavering support is essential in this journey, ensuring that we continue to be a beacon of hope and a vital component of the nation’s healthcare framework.
Recognising Donor Contributions
Our donors are the cornerstone of SANBS, and their contributions are integral to our ability to provide lifesaving blood products. In response to the national plasma shortage, we are intensifying efforts to encourage donor participation. We are actively engaging with new donor markets, particularly focusing on the black community and youth, to expand our donor base.
We are committed to providing a positive and rewarding donation experience. This involves prioritising donor health and safety, offering convenient donation opportunities, and expressing genuine appreciation for their contributions. Maintaining a 100% voluntary donor base is a testament to the generosity of South Africans, and our focus on donor centricity ensures that we build strong, enduring relationships with our supporters. We continue to innovate and improve our donor services to make the donation process as seamless and engaging as possible.
Supporting our Employees
Our 2 869 employees, across 189 sites nationwide (excluding the Western Cape), are vital to our mission. Their dedication, expertise, and passion form the foundation of SANBS' operations. We are committed to providing competitive benefits, ongoing training, and development opportunities to attract and retain a skilled workforce.
We prioritise employee wellbeing through wellness initiatives aimed at early intervention to prevent prolonged absenteeism and illness. A positive and supportive work environment enhances productivity and improves patient care. Our investment in employee development ensures that our team is well-prepared to meet the demands of our mission and contribute to our organisational success.
Strategic Focus on Patient-Centric Care
South Africa's dual-tiered healthcare system, with its socio-economic disparities, presents significant challenges. Approximately 84% of the population relies on an overburdened public healthcare sector, particularly in rural and underserved urban areas (Statistics South Africa, 2020 and 2022). This strain is compounded by the emigration of healthcare professionals, which exacerbates the pressure on our resources.
To address these challenges, SANBS is adopting a customer-centric strategy that enhances healthcare efficiency, equity, and patient satisfaction. Our approach focuses on optimising the allocation and distribution of medical resources, ensuring that we meet the needs of patients and clinicians alike. By emphasising patient-centred care models, we aim to improve access to essential services and align our healthcare delivery with patient needs.
Government Partnership
The government is a crucial partner in SANBS’ mission to deliver life-saving blood services. This collaboration extends beyond regulatory compliance to encompass support in policy development, funding, and public health initiatives. Such a partnership is vital for integrating our services within the national healthcare system and addressing the diverse needs of the population.
A key area where government partnership can make a significant impact is in the development and implementation of effective blood donation policies and incentives. While these measures have not yet been realised, their potential to ensure a steady and reliable blood supply is immense. Government support will be instrumental in shaping and enacting these policies, which are essential for maintaining and growing our donor base.
Strengthening Governance
Over the years, SANBS has made substantial progress in robust governance practices, transitioning from an audit disclaimer to an unqualified audit opinion. This achievement highlights our dedication to enhancing our governance structures and practices.
We have thoroughly reviewed and updated our governance documents and policies, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and accountability. These improvements are vital to sustaining our integrity and ensuring that we meet our strategic objectives effectively.
Key Board Matters and Leadership Changes
My tenure as Chairman began on 29 November 2023, succeeding Ms. Ansie Ramalho, who served on the Board for nine years. I acknowledge her leadership and the robust governance practices she left in place, along with a diverse, strong and capable Board.
As a Board, we also acknowledge the tenure of Dr. John Black who left the Board due to his emigration. Following Ansie’s retirement and John’s resignation, some changes were made in Board committee membership and Mr. Shauket Fakie was appointed as the Lead Independent Director. Efforts are ongoing to fill the directorship left by Dr. John Black with a qualified medical practitioner.
An external performance evaluation was conducted, focused on gathering insights into the governance structure and dynamics. The evaluation yielded positive results, with high praise for the quality of governance, the Board's commitment to King IV compliance, as well as a healthy and collegial board culture. Recommendations from the evaluation are noted in the Governance Chapter under Principle 9.
Future outlook
SANBS is dedicated to enhancing our data governance and cybersecurity measures as part of our five-year strategic plan. This plan establishes a comprehensive framework to support our mission of providing safe and reliable blood services.
Our success hinges on the collaborative efforts of our team, stakeholders, and community partners. By concentrating on clear goals and actionable strategies, we are well-positioned to address emerging challenges and leverage new opportunities. Our approach places stakeholders at the heart of our decision-making, ensuring that we consistently deliver superior service and uphold the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Conclusion and Appreciation
As we embark on this new phase, our commitment to progress and excellence remains steadfast. I extend my deepest gratitude to the Board, Executive team, and all members of the SANBS team for their relentless dedication and hard work. Your contributions have been instrumental in advancing our mission.
To our donors, your generous support is fundamental to our success. Your continued commitment, in providing the gift of life, allows us to provide life-saving blood products and drive positive change in our communities. We look forward to a future where donor centres provide enriching and rewarding experiences, making blood donation a celebrated act of kindness.
Thank you for your invaluable support. Together, we will continue to make a significant impact on South Africa’s healthcare system and beyond.
Thabo Mokgatlha – Chairperson, Board of Directors