OUR BUSINESS
Chief Executive Officer's Review
OUR BUSINESS
Chief Executive Officer's Review
FY24 Challenges
BECS Implementation Optimisation
The successful go-live of the BECS was a significant milestone, however post-implementation complexities and ongoing optimisation efforts remain. We are diligently addressing these challenges, with a strong focus on delivering the donor app, which will further enhance the user experience.
Our team is demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability as they acquire new knowledge and navigate the ongoing system refinements. We are actively driving stabilisation efforts to ensure seamless BECS operation.
Blood Collections
Despite improvements in blood collections, maintaining a consistent 5-day supply remains a concern.
We are implementing targeted strategies to increase donor recruitment and retention, ultimately ensuring a reliable blood supply for all South Africans.
Stakeholder Management
Past challenges in stakeholder management highlight the need for strategic engagement.
To address this, we have appointed a dedicated Stakeholder Engagement Manager.
This role will be instrumental in building strong partnerships and fostering communication with all stakeholders crucial to SANBS' success.
Leadership Changes
A key aspect of SANBS' success lies in our strong leadership team. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Ansie Ramalho for her dedication and exceptional service as Chairperson of the SANBS Board. Under her guidance, we have navigated complex challenges and achieved remarkable milestones.
We are fortunate to have a smooth and seamless transition in leadership with the appointment of Mr. Thabo Mokgatlha as the new Chairperson. Mr. Mokgatlha brings a wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the table, and I have full confidence that he will continue to guide SANBS towards a bright future. I extend a warm welcome to Mr. Mokgatlha and look forward to collaborating with him in the years to come.
Mr. Shauket Fakie was appointed the Lead Independent Director from the board-appointed directors. We also welcomed Ms. Sibusisiwe Sibanda as the Corporate Services Executive in June 2023.
Outlook
As we move forward, the healthcare landscape remains dynamic, presenting both challenges and opportunities for SANBS.
Economic Realities: Balancing Sustainability with Affordability
Price Increase Limitations:
A low economic growth rate and limited medical aid spending in the private sector necessitate a careful approach to pricing. We will explore innovative solutions to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining affordable blood products for all patients. We will strive to increase communication of our pricing models and strategy to our stakeholders so that there is a greater understanding of the cost drivers.
The implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) could greatly influence our service delivery and financial frameworks. It is essential that we are ready to adapt and facilitate a seamless transition for both patients and healthcare providers.
Socio-Economic Barriers to Effective Blood Donation:
High unemployment rates can negatively impact blood collection efforts. Factors such as poverty, unemployment, lifestyle choices and infectious diseases can impact on the health and wellness of potential donors, thereby reducing donation rates. Moreover, regular blood donation can exacerbate iron deficiency in donors. We will focus on targeted donor recruitment strategies to address this challenge. We will also work on improving our donor loyalty and recognition programmes.
Workforce Dynamics: Building a Resilient Talent Pool
As mentioned earlier, our proactive workforce planning initiative will ensure we have the right skills and expertise to navigate the future of blood banking.
Operational Considerations: Business Continuity and Efficiency
We remain vigilant against potential disruptions like power outages, natural disasters, or social unrest. We will continuously refine our business continuity plans to ensure a reliable blood supply during unforeseen circumstances.
Embracing Opportunities: Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Our dedication to innovation and continuous improvement drives us to refine our strategy for 2025/2026 to 2029/2030, ensuring long-term growth and solidifying our position as the trusted provider of blood and blood services for the citizens of South Africa. We will continue seeking opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint and also incorporate digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to further improve our value offering.
Conclusion and Appreciation
As we conclude this transformative year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the success and mission of SANBS, thereby enabling us to fulfil our purpose.
First and foremost, I acknowledge our selfless donors, the true lifeblood of our organisation. Your generous contributions have made it possible for us to save lives and make a profound impact on countless individuals and communities.
To our dedicated employees, your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been instrumental in driving SANBS forward. Your passion and dedication to our mission are truly inspiring and without your hard work our achievements this year would not have been possible.
A special thank you to our invaluable volunteers who serve on the various Branch and Zone Donor committees. Your tireless efforts in supporting our campaigns and expanding our donor base are deeply appreciated.
I am also profoundly grateful to the members of my Executive and Leadership team for their steadfast support and dedication throughout this period of significant change. Your guidance and resilience have been pivotal in navigating our digital transformation.
To the SANBS Board and Committee members, your outstanding leadership and strategic guidance have been crucial in reinforcing our governance framework and ensuring our continued success.
Lastly, I extend my sincere appreciation to all our stakeholders whose support and collaboration are vital to the effective functioning of SANBS. Your partnership enables us to save and improve the lives of hundreds of thousands of patients each year. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones, but our journey does not end here. As we move forward, let us continue to work collaboratively, build upon our successes and strive for excellence in all that we do.
Together, we are the pulse, the lifeblood geared for the 21st century.
Thank you all for your unwavering support and commitment.
Ravi Reddy – Chief Executive Officer